US EditionMac Engel: USC hiring former TCU coach Gary Patterson is the risk of necessity
Gary Patterson replaces D'Anton Lynn to lead USC Trojans' defense for the 2026 season, aiming to improve performance against a tough Big Ten schedule and CFP goals.
- Next year, the USC Trojans hired Gary Patterson as defensive coordinator, and Patterson will lead the defense in his first season at USC.
- After D'Anton Lynn departed for Penn State under Matt Campbell, USC's defensive struggles on the road, including losses to Illinois Fighting Illini, Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Oregon Ducks, prompted the coaching change.
- USC returns key pieces in the secondary and at linebacker with Prophet Brown, cornerback , and Christian Pierce, safety , while portal additions Devan Bryant, Jontez Williams, Zuriah Fisher, Alex VanSumeren, and Carrington Pierce join Patterson's group.
- Observers doubt whether Patterson's playcalling can fix road issues, while the defense's performance will shape USC's College Football Playoff chances and the Trojans' crucial five games.
- A veteran coach, Patterson, with 2 seasons at TCU and a College Football Hall of Fame induction, is taking a coordinator role at USC, which is unusual given his pedigree.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Montana Standard
Mac Engel: USC hiring former TCU coach Gary Patterson is the risk of necessity
FORT WORTH, Texas — Long before the announcement that Gary Patterson will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, the former TCU coach had nothing to prove. Other than winning a national title, he did everything a man…
One Big Question For Gary Patterson As USC's Next Defensive Coordinator
Former TCU Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson takes over as USC Trojans defensive coordinator, entering a pivotal 2026 season. With high expectations for USC's defense, what is the biggest question for Patterson as USC's defensive coordinator?
USC football coaching staff takes shape
.flex_cell.av-355rox3d-4403991319d55678e6a482b592a61c5c{ vertical-align:top; } USC football coaching staff takes shape The Trojans hired TCU legend Gary Patterson as their next defensive coordinator. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-2pi2d2rt-c0a859d22a00e4eb006fac2d9a07347e{ height:10px; } By SEAN CAMPBELL January 26, 2026 #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-29nwu6ix-270446896b5bd595259c345b4b3f95bb{ height:10px; } .avia-image-container.av-23nwnmfd-64760f15007f1…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 84% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
