More details emerge on USC’s 2026 coaching staff

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USC’s 2026 coaching staff is still very much a work in progress. While the Trojans have several notable holes not yet filled for next season—most notably defensive coordinator—more pieces are beginning to emerge in the puzzle. On Wednesday, we got a few updates regarding such.

On Sunday, it was reported that USC was speaking with longtime TCU head coach Gary Patterson regarding its defensive coordinator opening. On Wednesday, Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported that Patterson is now the leading candidate for the job.

In addition, last week, USC reportedly hired Nebraska’s Mike Ekeler as special teams coordinator. Per Connor Morrissette of 247Sports, Ekeler will also coach linebackers for the Trojans.

Morrissette also added that 2025 special teams coordinator Ryan Dougherty is expected to stay on the staff in some capacity. Right now, it is unclear what USC’s plans are regarding 2025 linebackers coach Rob Ryan.

Obviously, the defensive coordinator hire is the big domino that will affect the rest of the staff. If/when Patterson is officially brought on board, he will soon be tasked with making important decisions regarding the rest of the defensive staff for next season.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: More details emerge on USC football’s 2026 coaching staff

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