Penn State officially announces D'Anton Lynn as its next defensive coordinator

Penn State is officially hiring D’Anton Lynn away from USC to be the first defensive coordinator in the Matt Campbell era. The Nittany Lions announced the news on Friday. Reports broke on Monday that a deal between the two sides was nearing completion.

Reviewing Lynn’s time at USC

WeAreSC’s Erik McKinney has the skinny on Lynn’s two years at the helm of the Trojans’ defense.

“Lynn led a major defensive turnaround for the Trojans when he was hired ahead of the 2024 season,” McKinney writes. “After finishing No. 121 in scoring defense and No. 119 in total defense in 2023, USC finished 2024 at Nos. 56 and 77 in those two categories. The 2025 season represented another step forward as the Trojans finished Nos. 48 and 49 in those two areas.

“Where the Trojans did not improve between 2024 and 2025 was in rush defense. USC was much younger in the defensive front this year compared to Lynn’s first season, but the Trojans slid 11 spots in rush defense rankings and allowed four more yards per game on the ground. Still, it’s been a positive two-year step forward on that side of the ball compared to what USC put on the field each week under former coordinator Alex Grinch.”

A look at the Penn State defensive staff

We know that Ikaika Malloe is coming from UCLA to Penn State to be Lynn’s defensive line coach. Malloe worked under Lynn with the Bruins back in 2023. We know Deon Broomfield, a former Iowa State assistant, and Terry Smith will handle the secondary. And, we’re awaiting word on whether or not Dan Connor will be retained to coach the linebackers, but that is expected.

Follow the next steps in remaking the Penn State football program with Blue-White Illustrated

Campbell is now at Penn State. What will happen next? We’re tracking it all, from staff changes to transfer portal news, recruiting, and more! Not a subscriber? Join today by clicking here. A BWI subscription gets you access to:

–Premium insight and intel from Sean Fitz, Nate Bauer, Ryan Snyder, Thomas Frank Carr, and Greg Pickel

—Access to the subscriber-exclusive Lions Den message board.

–Reporting from the On3 national college football team. It includes Pete Nakos, Ari Wasserman, Andy Staples, Chris Low, Brett McMurphy, and more!

–Dedicated recruiting coverage from the likes of Steve Wiltfong, Chad Simmons, Adam Gorney, Sam Spiegelman, Greg Smith, and the rest of the Rivals team.

And a whole lot more. Sign up today by clicking here to see our best available offer.