The Value USC's Gary Patterson Can Provide Lincoln Riley

The USC Trojans made a splash this offseason by hiring Gary Patterson to be their next defensive coordinator. Defense has been the biggest issue for USC coach Lincoln Riley’s teams since he took over at the helm in 2022.

Will Patterson be the answer for the Trojans in 2026?

Gary Patterson In At USC

USC Trojans Lincoln Riley Defensive Coordinator Gary Patterson TCU Horned Frogs D'Anton Lynn College Football Playoff Big Ten — 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

Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman on On3 went on their show “Andy & Ari” to talk about the USC Trojans heading into the 2026 college football season. They discussed the impact that Patterson could have on USC and coach Lincoln Riley.

“I think Lincoln Riley has probably been a head coach long enough that he’s comfortable with somebody who’s done it before. Being someone who could give advice,” Staples said. “I don’t think Lincoln Riley should be threatened by Gary Patterson. I think he should take what Gary Patterson can give, which is a lot…That could be incredibly valuable.”

During overreaction season, it's easy to maybe — yes, maybe — buy stock in USC, especially with the hire of defensive genius Gary Patterson. pic.twitter.com/dhKQn5RSy9
— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) March 31, 2026

Patterson is most well known for his two decade long head coaching career with the TCU Horned Frogs from 2000-2021. In his time in Fort Worth, Patterson accumulated an overall record of 181-79. This included winning six conference titles: Conference USA once, the Mountain West four times, and the Big 12 once.

After Patterson left TCU, he spent time as an assistant to the head coach with the Texas Longhorns in 2022 and a consultant for the Baylor Bears in 2024. Now, Patterson will be back coaching as a defensive coordinator.

Patterson and Riley coached against each other from their time in the Big 12 together with Patterson at TCU and Riley with the Oklahoma Sooners.

Defensive Coaching Change

The USC defense the past two seasons was much improved with defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn. After the 2025 regular season wrapped up, Lynn accepted a job to become the next defensive coordinator for the Penn State Nittany Lions. Penn State was where Lynn played his college football.

Lynn left USC, creating an opening that they had to fill. Patterson is a proven defensive mind and Riley went out and got him.

Something that will be interesting to see play out is how Patterson’s defense will look after him not being on the sideline calling plays for years.

Lincoln Riley's Fifth Season With USC

2026 will be Lincoln Rileys fifth season as USC coach and the time to win is now. The Trojans are still seeking their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance in a time where the accessibility to get in has never been more wide open.

The 12-team playoff allows a a team like USC, in the Big Ten, to lose multiple games and still find a way in. Riley has an overall record of 35-18 record with USC. This is a solid mark, but the expectation at a place like USC is to be competing for conference titles and national championships.

Will 2026 be the year USC checks off those boxes?

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