When USC hired Gary Patterson as its new defensive coordinator, the move signaled more than just a change in leadership-it marked a potential turning point for a program still trying to find the right balance between its explosive offense and a defense that’s too often lagged behind. Patterson’s reputation precedes him: a Hall of Fame-caliber coach with a deep understanding of how to build and run a defense. But the key here isn’t just having Patterson in the building-it’s giving him the reins.
And early signs suggest Lincoln Riley might be doing just that.
Patterson’s Early Footprint: Starting with the Secondary
USC didn’t completely clean house on the defensive staff when Patterson arrived, but the changes that have been made speak volumes. Most notably, the Trojans parted ways with secondary coach Doug Belk.
In his place, USC brought in Paul Gonzales-a respected defensive backs coach with a strong track record-and is expected to add Louisiana Tech safeties coach Sam Carter. Meanwhile, cornerbacks coach Trovon Reed is staying on staff.
That’s a lot of attention focused on one area of the defense. And it’s not by accident.
Patterson has coached safeties and linebackers in his career, so he knows exactly what he’s looking for in the back end of a defense. The fact that USC has invested so heavily in revamping the secondary coaching staff suggests Patterson is zeroing in on what was arguably the Trojans’ most glaring weakness in 2025.
Why the Secondary Had to Be Addressed
Let’s be clear: USC’s defense had issues across the board last season. But the secondary stood out-for all the wrong reasons.
From the opening game against Missouri State, the unit struggled with discipline and execution. There were flashes of promise-Bishop Fitzgerald had standout moments, and the group held its own at times against Nebraska and Iowa-but overall, the secondary couldn’t be trusted to hold the line.
That lack of reliability forced defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn and his staff into a conservative approach. The Trojans played soft coverage for much of the season, aiming to avoid big plays but often getting picked apart underneath.
That strategy didn’t just limit the secondary-it handcuffed the entire defense. Playing off the ball made it harder to fill run gaps and dulled the pass rush. USC wasn’t attacking-they were reacting.
Fixing the secondary isn’t just about improving coverage. It’s about unlocking the rest of the defense. With more confidence on the back end, Patterson can dial up pressure, get aggressive with run fits, and build a defense that complements Riley’s high-octane offense.
Development Will Be Key
There’s no shortage of talent in USC’s secondary heading into 2026. The Trojans have recruited well, and the roster includes several young players with high ceilings.
But talent alone isn’t enough. The previous staff struggled to develop that talent into consistent on-field production.
That’s where Patterson and his revamped coaching crew come in.
The goal now is to turn raw potential into reliable performance. That’s the kind of work Patterson has done throughout his career-and it’s the kind of transformation USC desperately needs.
Defensive Line: A Clearer Path Forward
While the secondary overhaul is the headline, there’s reason for optimism on the defensive front as well. USC’s defensive line wasn’t dominant in 2025, but there’s a solid foundation to build on.
Defensive line coach Eric Henderson remains in place, and he’ll get a full offseason to work with returning players and incoming recruits. That includes Jaimeon Winfield, who was recently bumped to five-star status, and Luke Wafle, now ranked as the No. 1 player in the 2026 class. Add in the fact that these young linemen will be facing one of the best offensive lines in the country every day in practice-USC returns all five starters up front-and you’ve got a recipe for real growth.
Strength coach Trumain Carroll and his staff also play a key role here. The physical development of USC’s front seven will be critical if the Trojans want to take a step forward in 2026.
Moving On from Doug Belk
Doug Belk’s departure wasn’t just about performance-it was about priorities. Belk had a strong reputation as a recruiter, and in years past, that might’ve been enough to keep him on staff. But USC is no longer in a position where recruiting chops alone can justify a spot on the sideline.
The results on the field matter. And in 2025, the secondary didn’t deliver.
USC’s decision to move on from Belk reflects a broader shift in philosophy. With new general manager Chad Bowden leading the recruiting operation, the Trojans are no longer as reliant on individual position coaches to carry the load in that department. That gives the staff more flexibility to prioritize development and on-field impact-exactly what Patterson is looking for as he reshapes this defense.
Linebacker Changes Fly Under the Radar
One of the quieter moves this offseason was the decision to have new special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler also coach linebackers, replacing Rob Ryan. It’s a notable shift, especially given Patterson’s own background as a linebackers coach.
USC’s linebacker play wasn’t up to standard last season, and Patterson knows what elite linebacker development looks like. Ekeler now has the chance to bring a fresh approach to a group that needs to be more physical, more disciplined, and more impactful in 2026.
What Comes Next
There’s still a long way to go before we know whether these changes will pay off. But the early indicators are encouraging.
Patterson isn’t just tweaking the defense-he’s targeting the core issues that held USC back in 2025. That starts with the secondary but extends to every level of the defense.
For Lincoln Riley, the message is clear: let Patterson do what he does best. Build the defense.
Set the tone. And give this team the kind of balance it needs to compete at the highest level.
Trojan fans won’t know for sure until the fall, but for now, there’s reason to believe USC is finally putting the pieces in place to back up its offensive firepower with a defense that can hold its own.