When Lincoln Riley arrived at USC, the expectations were sky-high-and for good reason. His offensive pedigree was undeniable, forged during his time at Oklahoma where his teams regularly lit up the scoreboard.
But there was always one glaring issue: defense. The Sooners could score with anyone, but when it came time to make stops-especially in the postseason-they just couldn’t get it done.
That trend followed Riley to Los Angeles, where early in his USC tenure, fans watched Caleb Williams and the offense put up big numbers, only to be let down by a defense that struggled to tackle in space and wilted in big moments. The 2022 Pac-12 Championship Game loss to Utah was the clearest example.
But credit where it’s due-Riley made the tough call that changed the trajectory of his program. After finally parting ways with defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, he brought in D’Anton Lynn from crosstown rival UCLA.
That move paid dividends. Over the past two seasons, USC’s defense showed real signs of life, just in time for the Trojans’ transition into the Big Ten, a conference known for its physicality and defensive toughness.
Now, just as USC seemed to be turning a corner defensively, they’re back at a crossroads. On Monday, Penn State finalized a deal to bring D’Anton Lynn back to Happy Valley, where he once played cornerback.
The Nittany Lions had an opening after Matt Campbell took the Iowa State head coaching job, which led to Jim Knowles’ departure. That chain of events opened the door for Lynn’s homecoming, and Penn State wasted no time making it happen.
For Lincoln Riley, this is a pivotal moment. He can’t afford to let the defensive progress stall-not with the College Football Playoff still eluding USC under his watch. The Trojans need to keep building momentum, especially now that they’re playing a Big Ten schedule that demands toughness on both sides of the ball.
That’s where Pete Kwiatkowski enters the conversation.
The timing might be fortunate for Riley. With Texas parting ways with Kwiatkowski, one of the most respected defensive minds in the country is suddenly available.
Under his leadership, the Longhorns allowed just 19.8 points per game this season-good for 25th nationally. That’s a significant step up from USC’s 22.4 points allowed per game, which ranked 48th.
Kwiatkowski’s defenses have consistently been physical, disciplined, and well-coached-exactly the kind of identity USC has been trying to establish on that side of the ball.
Kwiatkowski also brings something else Riley needs: experience. With Riley so heavily invested in the offense, he needs a defensive coordinator who can run that side of the ball with autonomy and authority. Kwiatkowski fits that mold.
Of course, there’s also the internal option. Co-defensive coordinator Eric Henderson is already in the building and has earned plenty of respect within the program.
He’s been a key assistant and a strong presence in the locker room. But he hasn’t called plays at the college level, and with USC entering a critical stretch in its evolution, handing him the reins would be a gamble.
This hire matters-maybe more than any other move Riley has made since arriving in L.A. The Trojans have the offensive firepower.
They’ve got the brand. They’ve got the quarterback pipeline.
What they need now is a defense that can hold up its end of the bargain, especially in a conference where games are often won in the trenches.
Losing D’Anton Lynn stings. But if Riley can land a proven defensive leader like Pete Kwiatkowski, it might just be the move that finally gets USC over the hump.