Lincoln Riley's biggest offseason move was one he had been trying to make for 2 years

There wasn't a bigger head-turning offseason coaching staff move than former TCU head coach Gary Patterson joining the USC staff as defensive coordinator. But Lincoln Riley said this move was actually in motion two years ago.

Riley spoke to J.D. Pickell from On3/Rivals and told him that he tried to hire the coach two years ago, but Patterson wasn't ready at the time. Instead, Riley hired D'Anton Lynn, who improved the Trojans' defense greatly in his two seasons with the team. When Riley came back to Patterson a second time, however, the Hall of Fame coach was ready.

"We talked two years ago when the job was open, but he wasn't ready to get back into it at that level," Riley said. "Because anybody that knows Gary know there's no halfway with this guy. I mean he's an absolute psycho. So I mean, like when he goes, it is full speed. I don't know that he's left the office since he's been in L.A. "

Gary Patterson will make USC great on defense

Patterson will have plenty of talent to work with, both new and experienced. I think everyone is excited to see what the coach does with a freshman like five-star edge rusher Luke Wafle, who should be an immediate contributor and has NFL upside. He'll also have major additions from the transfer portal like cornerback Jontez Willians.

And Riley says Patterson is ready for the challenge of helping USC become a great team on defense and getting a spot in the College Football Playoff 12-team bracket next season.

"At this point, he was ready to be back in. He was recharged. He is motivated. He's got an edge and a chip on his shoulder right now," Riley added. "He's real excited to be at USC, and we're thrilled to have him."