Gary Patterson Hired to Boost USC Trojans' Playoff Hopes

The veteran defensive coordinator will look to elevate USC's defense and push the team toward a College Football Playoff berth.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:55pm

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The USC Trojans made a big move this offseason, hiring veteran defensive coordinator Gary Patterson to replace D'Anton Lynn, who left for the same role at Penn State. Patterson, known for his defensive expertise, will be tasked with building on the foundation left by Lynn and pushing the Trojans' defense to championship-caliber levels. USC is bringing back several key defensive starters, and Patterson has already started assembling his coaching staff, including hires like Mike Ekeler, Paul Gonzales, and Sam Carter.

Why it matters

If USC wants to compete for a national title in 2026, the defense will need to take a significant step forward. Patterson's hiring is a clear sign that the Trojans are going all-in on winning, and his experience and track record of success could be the missing piece that helps push USC over the top and into the College Football Playoff.

The details

Patterson will be inheriting a USC defense that already has a solid foundation, with several key starters returning, including edge rushers Braylan Shelby and Kameryn Crawford, defensive tackle Jide Abasiri, linebackers Jadyn Walker and Desman Stephens II, and defensive backs Marcelles Williams, Christian Pierce, and Alex Graham. The Trojans also landed a top transfer in cornerback Jontez Williams. Patterson's task will be to quickly get the defensive unit to mesh and maximize the talent on the roster.

  • In the 2025 season, the USC Trojans' defense was led by defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn.
  • This offseason, Lynn took the same job at Penn State, leaving a vacancy at USC.
  • The Trojans quickly filled the role by hiring veteran defensive coordinator Gary Patterson.

The players

Gary Patterson

An experienced defensive coordinator who has been hired to lead the USC Trojans' defense and help push the team toward a College Football Playoff berth.

D'Anton Lynn

The former USC defensive coordinator who left the Trojans to take the same job at Penn State this offseason.

Lincoln Riley

The head coach of the USC Trojans, who believes Patterson can elevate the team's defense to championship-caliber levels.

Braylan Shelby

A returning starter on the USC defensive line, where he plays edge rusher.

Kameryn Crawford

Another returning starter on the USC defensive line, where he plays edge rusher.

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What’s next

The Trojans will need to quickly get Patterson and his new defensive coaching staff up to speed, as they look to build on the foundation left by the previous staff and push the defense to championship-caliber levels.

The takeaway

The hiring of Gary Patterson as USC's new defensive coordinator is a clear sign that the Trojans are going all-in on winning a national title in 2026. With Patterson's expertise and the returning talent on the defensive side of the ball, USC has the pieces in place to make a serious run at the College Football Playoff.