Gary Patterson might be getting back in the game, and this time it could be in Southern California. According to multiple reports, USC and the former TCU head coach have been in contact about the Trojans’ open defensive coordinator job. Nothing’s official yet, but it’s one of those conversations that makes you stop and pay attention, because if there’s one thing Patterson knows, it’s defense.
If you want someone with loads of experience, Patterson’s a great option. He’s spent tons of time on the gridiron, dating back to his playing career at Kansas State, all the way through 2024, where he was an assistant to Dave Aranda. The crowning achievement for Patterson is no doubt his time at TCU, where he started for 21 seasons. He led the Horned Frogs to an overall record of 181-79 and a conference record of 113-59.
Things came to a bit of an unceremonious end in Ft Worth, however, as Patterson resigned part of the way through the 2021 season after being told he would not be retained the following season.
For USC, it goes without saying that they have needed help on that side of the ball for a while now. Even with all the talent and all the hype around Lincoln Riley’s offense, the Trojans haven’t been able to stop anybody when it counted. They’ve given up chunk plays, missed tackles, and just looked lost at times. It’s been the same story multiple years in a row. That’s why they’re looking at a guy like Patterson, someone who’s seen it all and doesn’t need time to figure out how this works.
We’ll see if anything comes of it, but even the conversation tells you USC’s looking for more than just a young up-and-comer. They want someone who can walk in and clean up the mess. Patterson might just be that guy. He’s been out of the spotlight for a bit, but you know he’s itching to get back into the mix.
