USC is on the verge of making a major move on the defensive side of the ball, as the Trojans are closing in on hiring longtime TCU head coach Gary Patterson as their next defensive coordinator, sources confirm.
This would be a significant addition for USC. Patterson brings over four decades of coaching experience, including a 22-year stretch at the helm of TCU, where he built the Horned Frogs into a national contender. He steps in to replace D’Anton Lynn, who departed earlier this month to take over the defensive coordinator role at Penn State.
Patterson’s résumé is as deep as it gets. He compiled a 181-79 record as TCU’s head coach and was the program’s defensive coordinator for three seasons before taking over the top job. Over the years, he’s coached defensive backs and linebackers, giving him a well-rounded perspective on every level of the defense.
But what really set Patterson apart during his TCU tenure was his defensive innovation. He was the primary play-caller and architect of the Horned Frogs’ 4-2-5 scheme-an alignment that leaned heavily on a hybrid nickelback.
That nickel wasn’t just a fifth defensive back; in Patterson’s system, he was a Swiss Army knife-capable of rushing the passer, covering in space, and playing downhill like a linebacker. That flexibility allowed TCU to stay one step ahead of evolving offenses and gave opposing coordinators fits.
Patterson’s defenses were known for their discipline, effort, and execution. His players played fast, physical, and smart-hallmarks of a coach who emphasized fundamentals and preparation.
And the results spoke for themselves: under his leadership, TCU posted 11 seasons with 10 or more wins. To put that into perspective, the program had just four such seasons in its entire history before Patterson arrived in 1998.
He didn’t just win games-he elevated the entire program. Patterson guided TCU through three different conferences, from Conference USA to the Mountain West and eventually into the Big 12 in 2012.
And in 2010, he led the Horned Frogs to a historic moment: a perfect 13-0 season capped off by a Rose Bowl victory over No. 5 Wisconsin.
That made TCU the first team from a non-automatic qualifying conference to reach the Rose Bowl during the BCS era-a milestone that helped reshape the college football landscape.
Of course, the back half of Patterson’s tenure at TCU wasn’t without challenges. As the spread offense revolution swept through college football, his defenses struggled to keep pace.
The arrival of the transfer portal era also presented new hurdles, and by 2021, TCU made the difficult decision to move on. After his departure, Patterson took on a special assistant role at Texas under Steve Sarkisian in 2022, followed by a consulting stint at Baylor in 2024.
Now, Patterson appears poised to return to a more hands-on role-this time in Los Angeles. USC is betting that his experience, defensive acumen, and proven track record of building tough, disciplined units can help elevate a defense that’s been searching for consistency in recent years.
What remains to be seen is how Patterson’s arrival will impact the rest of the Trojans’ defensive staff. Secondary coach Doug Belk was informed this week that his contract would not be renewed, which could signal more changes ahead.
However, it’s also possible that the rest of the defensive position coaches will remain in place. Either way, Patterson’s hire marks a new chapter for USC’s defense-and potentially a turning point for a program looking to reestablish itself as a national powerhouse.