After Dennis Green's firing, he was retained as defensive coordinator under new Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt.

[3] On January 14, 2010, the Chiefs named former Cleveland Browns head coach Romeo Crennel their new defensive coordinator.

[4] On February 19, 2010, Pendergast was hired as defensive coordinator for the California Golden Bears, succeeding Bob Gregory.

Although head coach Lane Kiffin was fired midseason, Pendergast's defense finished the season ranked 13th in the nation and led the Pac-12.

[8] Pendergast spent four seasons in his return to the Trojans, and was fired after a 49–24 loss to Iowa in 2019 Holiday Bowl; in 2019, USC had the 78th-ranked defense and 77th in yardage allowed.