D’Anton Lynn Emerging as Leading Candidate for Penn State Defensive Coordinator Job
Change is coming again to Penn State’s defensive staff, and this time, the program might be turning to one of its own.
With Jim Knowles headed to Tennessee after just a single season in State College, Penn State is now eyeing D’Anton Lynn-USC’s defensive coordinator and a former Nittany Lion himself-as a top target to fill the vacancy. According to multiple reports, Lynn is firmly in the mix to take over the reins of the Nittany Lions’ defense in 2026.
Lynn, who played defensive back at Penn State from 2008 to 2011, has quickly built a reputation as one of college football’s rising defensive minds. In just two seasons at USC, he’s orchestrated a significant turnaround for a unit that was once among the worst in the country. The Trojans, who ranked 121st in scoring defense two years ago, have cut that number down by 12 points per game under Lynn’s guidance-a dramatic improvement that’s caught the attention of programs across the country.
This season, USC allowed just 22.4 points per game, placing them 47th in the FBS in scoring defense. They also ranked 47th in total defense, giving up 348.8 yards per game.
But perhaps most impressive has been their red zone performance-USC finished 12th nationally in red zone defense, allowing only 23 touchdowns on 38 opponent possessions. Ten of those drives ended without any points at all, a testament to Lynn’s ability to get his defense to tighten up when it matters most.
Before his stint at USC, Lynn spent the 2023 season as the defensive coordinator at UCLA, where he quickly made his mark. That Bruins defense finished the year ranked 10th in total defense (301.5 yards per game), 14th in scoring defense (14.4 points per game), and second in the nation against the run, surrendering just 80.8 rushing yards per contest. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed, especially in today’s game where stopping the run remains a foundational key to success.
Lynn’s defenses haven’t just looked good on paper-they’ve delivered in big moments. USC’s 9-3 season included wins over Big Ten opponents Michigan, Nebraska, and Iowa.
In those three games, the Trojans gave up a combined 51 points, showing they could hold their own against physical, power-conference offenses. That’s the kind of résumé that resonates with a program like Penn State, which prides itself on tough, disciplined defensive football.
USC head coach Lincoln Riley has been vocal about Lynn’s impact and potential, praising his growth and adaptability within the college game. Riley highlighted Lynn’s ability to manage not just the X’s and O’s, but the broader responsibilities that come with leading a college program-roster management, player development, and the nuances of recruiting.
“I think he’s doing a really nice job,” Riley said earlier this season. “I think he’s getting more comfortable with all things college football.
Not just the game, but some of the things that go on outside of the game-building rosters, dealing with players, and all that. … I think he’s adjusting nicely and obviously has made a tremendous impact in our program.”
Riley even went a step further, suggesting Lynn has the qualities to be a head coach down the line.
“If D’Anton wants to be a head coach, he would be a really good one.”
For now, the next step could be a return to Happy Valley. With Knowles moving on, Penn State has a chance to bring back a former player who not only understands the culture but has also proven he can build elite defenses at the Power Five level. If Lynn does land the job, it would mark a full-circle moment-and potentially a significant win for a Penn State program looking to solidify its identity on the defensive side of the ball.