D’Anton Lynn considers how UCLA experience will help re-build USC defense

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•12/09/23•

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New USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn pondered how his experience at UCLA could help the Trojans in 2024.

Lynn stepped into the college game for the first time this past season as Chip Kelly’s defensive coordinator. He coached in the NFL since 2014 but now is fully invested at the collegiate level.

Lynn acknowledged it was a bit of a different game compared to the pros.

“You know, last year was a big learning curve for me,” Lynn said. “My first time in college, you know, there were a lot of things in spring I was saying for the first time, I just think going through this. Now, second year in college, a little bit more experience, I think that I’m just excited about the opportunity, excited about the process, but I also know that it’s not gonna be the exact same that it was last year. 

“It’s a different group of guys. It’s a different staff. So it’s not going to be the exact same. We just have to figure out the best way to try to duplicate that here.”

Despite the adjustment, Lynn loved the transition from the NFL into college. But there’s no doubt that he’ll be under immediate pressure to rebuild the defense that struggled for the Trojans under Lincoln Riley.

“You know, just each week is different,” Lynn said. “College football, you play a bunch of different types of offenses, from a Washington State team that’s going to be spread air-raid to an Oregon State or Utah team. So you just have to prepare for a lot. And you know, it was just very fun for me to get a chance to coach the college kids and really to see their growth from spring to fall. 

“And I learned a lot from them … Getting a chance to teach college kids has made me a better teacher. Because you know, you can’t assume anything. That’s something that I learned very early on. You’re really building the foundation for some of these kids.”

Riley needed to make a change and he brought Lynn across town in hopes to push USC over the top.“We are thrilled to welcome D’Anton and his family to USC,” Riley said. “We simply couldn’t ask for a better addition to our staff. His successful experiences in both college and the NFL make him the perfect fit for our program. I hope you will join me in welcoming him to the Trojan Family.”