USC football makes a major culture statement with Gary Patterson hiring

The USC Trojans football program took their time and stayed patient in their search for a new defensive coordinator after D'Anton Lynn left to join his alma mater and conference rival, Penn State. That patience paid off when the Trojans and head coach Lincoln Riley announced the hiring of former TCU head coach and 2026 Hall of Fame inductee Gary Patterson.

Riley didn’t hold back when making the announcement, calling Patterson an immediate impact hire and a key addition to the kind of culture he’s building for the new USC and Big Ten era. One of the biggest strengths Patterson brings to the Trojans is his winning mindset, especially on the defensive side of the ball. His knack for coaching defense and building a winning culture is clear from his 21 years as TCU’s head coach, during which he amassed 181 victories.

Gary Patterson's credentials on defense are unmatched

During his tenure, he led five defenses to rank No. 1 in the nation in total defense, with the latest season being in 2010. Patterson is expected to take an active role with the defensive backs, especially the safeties, following Doug Belk’s departure. He’s also anticipated to deploy newly hired Mike Ekeler as the linebackers coach.

USC has been moving quickly to rebuild the culture and energy around the program. Lincoln Riley took over a middling team four years ago that had been held back by poor administrative decisions. With 2026 shaping up to be a pivotal year, talent acquisition has been handled at an elite level, but it seems the final piece of Riley’s overhaul is culture.

Patterson, a defensive mastermind, hall of famer, and proven winner, is a huge addition. The Trojans nailed this hire, no matter how long it took. On paper, everything looks set, now it’s time to see how it plays out between the hashes this fall.