USC's Lincoln Riley Excited About Gary Patterson Hire

The Trojans' new defensive coordinator brings a wealth of experience and a long-standing relationship with the head coach.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:36am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the abstract forms of football players and a field, rendered in a vibrant color palette of red, gold, and blue, capturing the dynamic energy of a college football game.A cubist interpretation of the strategic chess match between USC's new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson and the opposing offense.Arlington Today

USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley recently discussed the program's hiring of former TCU Horned Frogs head coach Gary Patterson as the team's new defensive coordinator. Riley expressed his excitement about bringing Patterson on board, citing their long-standing mutual respect and Patterson's defensive expertise.

Why it matters

The addition of Gary Patterson as defensive coordinator is seen as a major coup for USC, as he brings decades of experience and a proven track record of building formidable defenses. His hiring is expected to significantly bolster the Trojans' defensive unit and overall team performance.

The details

Riley revealed that he had tried to hire Patterson two years ago when the USC defensive coordinator position was last open, but Patterson wasn't ready to make the full-time commitment at the time. However, the timing now seems right, with Patterson joining the Trojans' staff and Riley confident that he will elevate the entire program.

  • In 2024, Riley attempted to hire Patterson as USC's defensive coordinator but was unsuccessful.
  • In 2026, Patterson was hired as USC's new defensive coordinator.

The players

Lincoln Riley

The head coach of the USC Trojans football team, who has a long-standing relationship and mutual respect with Gary Patterson.

Gary Patterson

The former head coach of the TCU Horned Frogs, who was recently hired as the defensive coordinator for the USC Trojans.

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What they’re saying

“Gary and I have had a good relationship for a long time. We've competed against each other so many times. A lot of big games. I've had a chance at head coaching meetings and all that in the past to strike up a really good relationship.”

— Lincoln Riley, USC Trojans Head Coach

“I tried to hire him two years ago, but he wasn't quite ready to get back into it and go all in as only he can. I think USC was just right, and this place was ready for a guy like him. He's going to come in and make us better defensively....Make our entire team better, our program better, make me better. Just been awesome having him in the building.”

— Lincoln Riley, USC Trojans Head Coach

What’s next

The Trojans will look to Gary Patterson to immediately improve their defensive performance and help the team compete for a championship in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The hiring of Gary Patterson as USC's defensive coordinator represents a significant coup for the program, as he brings a wealth of experience and a long-standing relationship with head coach Lincoln Riley. This move is expected to have a transformative impact on the Trojans' defense and overall team success.