The Hire That Could Determine USC’s Path to the College Football Playoff

USC head coach Lincoln Riley has appointed Gary Patterson as the new defensive coordinator, marking a significant move in Riley's tenure. Patterson, a former TCU head coach and 2026 College Football Hall of Fame electee, replaces D’Anton Lynn, who left USC to join Penn State. Patterson's renowned 4-2-5 defense aligns well with USC's current roster and has previously led the nation in yards allowed five times during his 21 seasons at TCU.

Patterson, who has been consulting for Texas and Baylor since departing TCU in 2021, brings extensive experience in developing talent and building strong defenses, even with limited resources. His hiring is seen as crucial for USC's ambitions to reach the College Football Playoff, a goal that has eluded Riley due to defensive shortcomings. With USC's offense consistently performing at a high level, the expectation is that Patterson's leadership can elevate the defense to a competitive standard, aiding USC in becoming a serious contender in the Big Ten