Former Gary Patterson player Sam Carter reportedly joins USC’s staff

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USC is continuing to add to its defensive coaching staff under new coordinator Gary Patterson. On Friday, Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported that the Trojans will be adding Louisiana Tech safeties coach Sam Carter to the staff.

College Sports Wire has more on this story:

“Carter was a standout safety at TCU from 2011-2014 before launching into his coaching career, as he started 39 games and played in 49 games for the Horned Frogs. As a senior, he was an All-Big 12 selection and a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist, an honor given to the top defensive back in college football. The former TCU safety gained coaching experience in multiple stops through the SEC, including at Missouri, Arkansas and Ole Miss. He was then hired as the cornerbacks coach at Purdue for the 2023 and 2024 seasons before being hired by Louisiana Tech in January 2025 as the safeties coach.

“The Bulldogs finished 8-5 in 2025, with junior defensive back Jacob Fields leading the team in tackles with 91 while also recording five passes defensed and three interceptions. Senior defensive back Jakari Foster led Conference USA with eight interceptions.

“Meanwhile, USC finished last season ranked 47th against the pass, a solid mark but one that Carter will hope to improve to elite ranks. The Trojans went 9-4 last season but allowed 42, 34 and 34 points in each of their regular-season losses.”

Carter is the second addition to Patterson’s USC defensive staff. This past week, the Trojans added Paul Gonzales from Baylor as a defensive backs coach. It will be interesting to see where Patterson and head coach Lincoln Riley go as they continue to fill out the staff.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Gary Patterson, USC football adding Sam Carter to defensive staff

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