USC HC Lincoln Riley makes eager admission on Gary Patterson DC hire

Lincoln Riley has excitement to coaching alongside defensive coordinator Gary Patterson ahead of the USC Trojans’ 2026 campaign.

Riley is preparing for the 10th season of his head coaching career in college football, his fifth with the Trojans. He helped them on the transition from the Pac 12 to the Big Ten, having them punch above their weight against tougher opponents.

The 2026 season will be crucial for Riley, seeking to lead the program to the CFP bracket. Having obtained winning seasons throughout his USC stint, he looks to take that big step in serious contention.

This includes revamping his staff, adding Patterson as his defensive coordinator. He spoke on the decision during his interview on the Big Ten Network, showing he made the hire without hesitation given the remarkable skillset Patterson provides.

“It’s hard to explain to people what it’s like sitting in that chair as a head coach unless that person’s done that, and Gary’s obviously not only done it but done it at an all-time level. So having his expertise and being able to talk with him about all the different things that come at the head coach has been great for myself for our program, and then certainly the standard defensively that he brings into the building with the track record to prove it,” Riley said.

“His leadership that way, I think, has been invaluable. And you feel his burning desire to be to be elite defensively and to play the way that he expects to play. Like you feel that our players feel it, our coaches feel it, and I think that that permeates the entire program. And so, it’s been a lot of fun being on this side and not competing against him and having him with us. And I can’t wait to be on the same sideline with him.”

"It's been a lot of fun being on 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 side and not competing against him."

Lincoln Riley on coaching alongside @uscfb DC Gary Patterson #B1GToday pic.twitter.com/haW44pjtgq

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) August 27, 2026

What lies ahead for Lincoln Riley, USC this season

Lincoln Riley has big ambitions to lead the USC Trojans to the College Football Playoff. He hopes it will be successful with Gary Patterson coaching the defense.

USC is coming off a solid 2025 campaign under Riley, finishing with a 9-4 overall record. They went 7-2 against Big Ten opponents, ending the season with a 30-27 loss to TCU in the Alamo Bowl.

The No. 14 Trojans will get their season underway at home. They host the San Jose State Spartans on Aug. 29 at 3 p.m. ET.

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