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USC needs its defensive coaching changes to pay off in 2026
TL;DR
USC football's defense struggled in 2025 due to injuries and youth, leading to coaching changes. Gary Patterson has been hired as the new defensive coordinator to improve the team's performance in 2026.
Key points
- USC football's defense struggled in 2025 due to injuries and youth.
- Gary Patterson is hired as the new defensive coordinator.
- Coaching staff changes aim to improve USC's defensive performance.
Mentioned in this story
Gary PattersonD'Anton Lynn
USC TrojansTCUPenn StateNebraska
USC football fell short in 2025 because the defense didn't quite come together. Part of the reason for the failure was injuries and illnesses. Key players missed key games, such as Kamari Ramsey not playing at Illinois. However, youth was also a factor in 2025's struggles. The defensive line wasn't able to evolve as quickly as D'Anton Lynn would have liked. Lynn left for Penn State. In came Gary Patterson as defensive coordinator, with the linebacker coaching room also undergoing changes. ESPN discussed this in its offseason look at the Trojans:
"Gary Patterson is back on a college sideline as a defensive coordinator for the first time since 2000, the year before he embarked on a Hall of Fame career leading TCU," ESPN wrote. "Patterson is a fascinating hire for coach Lincoln Riley ahead of a pivotal season. USC also hired safeties coach Paul Gonzales, who worked under Patterson at TCU, and brought in Nebraska's Mike Ekeler as special teams coordinator. Ekeler has also overseen special teams at Tennessee, Kansas and elsewhere. USC's defense had made some improvement under coordinator D'Anton Lynn, who left for fellow Big Ten competitor Penn State. Veteran defensive line coach Eric Henderson, the team's co-DC, returned to the NFL."
Q&A
What were the main reasons for USC football's struggles in 2025?
USC football struggled in 2025 primarily due to injuries, key players missing games, and a young defensive line that couldn't evolve quickly enough.
Who is Gary Patterson and what is his role at USC?
Gary Patterson is the new defensive coordinator for USC, returning to college coaching after a long career, including a Hall of Fame tenure at TCU.
What changes were made to USC's coaching staff for the 2026 season?
USC's coaching staff changes for 2026 include hiring Gary Patterson as defensive coordinator, Paul Gonzales as safeties coach, and Mike Ekeler as special teams coordinator.