What Adrian Klemm's Alabama Departure Means For USC and Coach Gary Patterson

Former USC senior defensive assistant Adrian Klemm’s move to Alabama opens an opportunity on the Trojans’ defensive staff, giving defensive coordinator Gary Patterson a chance to reshape the role and add another defensive-minded presence heading into the season.

Nov 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Former USC senior defensive assistant Adrian Klemm is expected to be hired by Alabama as its offensive line coach, Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported on Monday. Klemm arrived to South Central just last summer, and spent one season with the Trojans.

While Klemm is off to pursue to a new opportunity with the Crimson Tide, a new pathway opens up for defensive coordinator Gary Patterson, and has the chance to bring someone in that could benefit USC's defense.

Adrien Klemm Moves On From USC

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Prior to his one season with USC, Klemm spent the 2023 season with the New England Patriots in as their offensive line coach, and the 2022 season with the Oregon Ducks as their run game coordinator, associate head coach and offensive line coach. Under his leadership in Eugene, the Ducks finished No. 1 in sacks allowed, sixth in total offense and 10th in scoring offense.

Alabama is expected to hire USC’s Adrian Klemm as offensive line coach, sources tell me, @ByScarborough and @C_Morrissette.

Before USC, the former NFL starting offensive lineman was an offensive line coach for the New England Patriots, Oregon and the Pittsburgh Steelers. pic.twitter.com/xcFu1voL9N

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 26, 2026

Arriving in South Central on coach Lincoln Riley's staff, Klemm's defensive mind and experience with the offensive line in previous roles, opened up a new path for defensive success. Although his tenure with USC was short, Klemm still made an immediate impact on the Trojans defense.

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Former USC Trojans linebacker Eric Gentry learned from Klemm's expertise, noting that his offensive line background was beneficial to his playing style.

"(I've learned) A lot of stuff with O line. A lot of stuff with him playing O-line, being able to pass rush, understanding O-line, understanding when somebody is about to pull. He's been here not that long and he's already taught me a lot of stuff that I've already put into the game," Gentry said in August.

Patterson Will Bring New Defensive Minds To South Central

Oct 2, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs head coach Gary Patterson before the game against the Texas Longhorns at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Now that a defensive assistant role has opened up under Patterson, the Trojans have a new avenue to build on their defensive staff. Patterson's 21 years as a head coach at TCU, with a heavy focus on the defense, his mindset in forming and building a defensive staff will be key this offseason.

Patterson has already made his first move in hiring new staff members. After former defensive backs coach Doug Belk was not going to be retained on Patterson's staff, USC is now expected to hire Paul Gonzales from Baylor as their new defensive backs coach, per Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports.

His first addition to his staff opens up opportunities, proves Patterson can find bright defensive minds to fill key roles. While Klemm was not in Los Angeles long enough to make waves in California recruiting, Patterson and his staff have the chance to add coaches who thrive in high school recruiting, especially with USC resorting back to their traditional ways of utilizing the Southern California talent for their incoming freshman rosters.

Oct 23, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs head coach Gary Patterson reacts during the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

As well as recruiting, someone with NFL development is also key when looking to fill this position. Someone like linebackers coach Rob Ryan came to South Central with multiple years of NFL coaching, as well as Klemm with the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The transformation of USC's defense will be the most crucial aspect to Lincoln Riley's 2026 season. Riley's 9-4 record does not give him any room for error entering year five as USC's head coach, so adding a bright, veteran defensive mind to Patterson's staff will be crucial to the growth and development of the defense this season.