Former TCU head football coach Gary Patterson is reportedly nearing an agreement to become the new defensive coordinator at USC. Sources, including ESPN and 247Sports, indicate that Patterson is in the final stages of negotiations for this position.
Replacement and Background
Patterson will take over the role vacated by D’Anton Lynn. Lynn recently departed from USC to accept a defensive coordinator position at Penn State. This transition occurred shortly before the Horned Frogs faced USC in the Alamo Bowl on December 30.
USC’s Recent Performance
- USC finished last season with a record of 9 wins and 4 losses.
- The team achieved a 7-2 record in Big Ten play.
About Gary Patterson
At 65 years old, Patterson stands as the most successful coach in TCU’s football history. Last week, he was announced as part of the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame induction class. He is well-known for developing the 4-2-5 defensive scheme, which emphasizes using a versatile nickelback instead of a conventional linebacker. This innovative approach has been adopted by many programs seeking to defend against spread offenses.
Patterson’s Legacy at TCU
- Coached at TCU for 24 seasons, significantly elevating the program’s national profile.
- Achieved notable victories including the Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin in 2010.
- Secured another major victory with a Peach Bowl win against Ole Miss in 2014.
In his coaching career at TCU, Patterson amassed an impressive record of 181 wins and 79 losses. He served as TCU’s defensive coordinator from 1998 to 2000 before moving up to the head coaching position.
Recent Career Moves
Patterson parted ways with TCU in 2021 and was succeeded by Sonny Dykes. In 2022, he briefly assisted at Baylor and was an assistant at Texas in 2024 before his latest pursuit with USC.
