Penn State’s search for a new defensive coordinator just took an unexpected turn. Jon Heacock, the longtime right-hand man to Matt Campbell, has opted to retire rather than follow Campbell to Happy Valley. That’s a significant pivot point for a staff that’s already seen its share of shakeups - especially with the earlier departure of Jim Knowles and South Carolina’s recent hire of defensive line coach Deion Barnes.
But while the Heacock news stings - no question - the Nittany Lions’ defensive coordinator search is far from over. In fact, there are several intriguing options still in play, including some right on campus. Let’s break down the top candidates Campbell should be eyeing as he looks to solidify his staff heading into a pivotal stretch for Penn State football.
Maurice Linguist: A Proven Leader With Big-Time Credentials
If Campbell is looking for a coach with a blend of Power Four experience, NFL pedigree, and head coaching chops, Maurice Linguist checks every box.
Currently serving as Alabama’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, Linguist brings a resume that’s as diverse as it is impressive. Before joining the Crimson Tide, he spent three seasons as the head coach at Buffalo. While that may not be a Power Four program, leading a team as the top guy - managing a staff, building a culture, recruiting, and game-planning - adds a layer of experience that’s hard to ignore.
Linguist’s coaching journey has taken him through some of the sport’s most competitive stops: Texas A&M, Minnesota, Mississippi State, Iowa State, Baylor, and even a stint in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys as their defensive backs coach in 2020. That’s a wide net of experience across schemes, conferences, and talent levels.
While he and Campbell didn’t overlap at Iowa State - Campbell arrived in 2016, Linguist was there from 2014-15 - there’s still a mutual familiarity with that program’s culture and expectations. That shared DNA could help bridge the gap quickly.
There’s one wrinkle, though: Alabama is still alive in the College Football Playoff after a win over No. 8 Oklahoma.
If the Crimson Tide knock off No. 2 Indiana, Linguist’s availability could be delayed - and Campbell may not want to wait that long.
Still, if Alabama’s season ends and Penn State hasn’t locked in its guy, Linguist will be one of the most compelling names on the board.
Dan Connor: A Nittany Lion Through and Through
Dan Connor isn’t the most experienced option in this race, but he brings something no one else can: a deep, personal connection to Penn State football.
The program’s all-time leading tackler, a two-time All-American, and the 2007 Chuck Bednarik Award winner, Connor’s legacy in Happy Valley is already etched in stone. Now, he’s building a new chapter on the sidelines.
Connor just wrapped up his fourth season on staff and his first as the linebackers coach. And the results speak for themselves.
In 2023, Penn State’s defense was a wrecking crew. The Nittany Lions led the nation in sacks (49) and rushing defense (75.5 yards per game).
They finished second in total defense, tackles for loss, and first downs allowed - not to mention top-five rankings in scoring defense, fumble recoveries, and passing defense.
In 2024, Connor played a key role in helmet communication duties, stepping up when needed. That year, the linebackers helped power a defense that ranked fourth nationally in interceptions, seventh in total defense, and top-15 in scoring, takeaways, and passes defensed.
Connor may not be the favorite for the DC job - and understandably so, given the more seasoned candidates in the mix - but his development as a coach and his impact on the linebacker room are impossible to ignore. He’s a rising star, and his future in college football looks bright, whether or not he gets the nod this time around.
Anthony Poindexter: The Steady Hand Already in the Building
If Campbell wants continuity, he doesn’t have to look far. Anthony Poindexter, Penn State’s co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach, has already been elevated to interim defensive coordinator for the upcoming Pinstripe Bowl.
Poindexter has been with the Nittany Lions for five seasons, and his track record with the secondary has been strong. Safeties like Jaquan Brisker, Ji’Ayir Brown, Jaylen Reed, and Kevin Winston Jr. have all flourished under his guidance, with several going on to NFL careers or earning national recognition.
He’s no stranger to the DC role, either. Poindexter was UConn’s defensive coordinator from 2014-16 and held the co-DC title at Purdue from 2017-20. His coaching career began back in 2003 as a graduate assistant at Virginia, and he’s steadily climbed the ladder ever since.
What Poindexter brings to the table is stability. He knows the players, understands the culture, and has already earned the trust of the staff. If Campbell wants someone who can hit the ground running without a steep learning curve, Poindexter is a logical - and safe - choice.
D’Anton Lynn: The Frontrunner With Momentum and a Penn State Past
If there’s a leader in the clubhouse, it’s D’Anton Lynn - and for good reason.
Lynn just wrapped up his second season as USC’s defensive coordinator under Lincoln Riley, and the results have been undeniable. In his first year, he helped the Trojans shave 10 points off their opponent scoring average - from 34.4 in 2023 to 24.1 in 2024. That’s a massive leap, especially in the high-octane world of Pac-12 football.
USC also made a jump in key situational metrics, finishing second in the Big Ten and 21st nationally in third-down defense (33.5%), after ranking 106th the year prior. This season, Lynn’s unit ranked eighth in red zone defense (71.1%).
Before USC, Lynn orchestrated a remarkable turnaround at UCLA in 2023, taking the Bruins from 87th to 10th nationally in total defense in just one season. That kind of quick impact is rare - and incredibly valuable.
Lynn’s coaching résumé spans both the college and pro ranks. He’s been a defensive assistant with the Bills, Chargers, Texans, and Ravens, working primarily with the secondary. That NFL experience shows in his schemes - aggressive, disciplined, and adaptable.
And let’s not forget the Penn State connection. Lynn played in 47 games for the Nittany Lions from 2008-11, racking up 162 tackles, four interceptions, and a reputation as one of the most reliable defenders on the roster. In 2010, he ranked sixth in the Big Ten in picks and was top-five in passes defensed the year before.
He knows what it means to wear the blue and white. Now, he could be the one calling the shots for a defense that’s already among the nation’s elite.
Final Thoughts
Losing Jon Heacock was a curveball. But it doesn’t derail Penn State’s defensive future - not with this kind of talent still available.
Whether Campbell goes with a proven play-caller like D’Anton Lynn, a rising star like Dan Connor, a steady hand in Anthony Poindexter, or a versatile veteran like Maurice Linguist, the Nittany Lions are in a strong position to keep their defense among the nation’s best.
The next hire will say a lot about Campbell’s vision for the program. Does he prioritize familiarity and continuity? Or does he swing big for a game-changer?
Either way, the pieces are there. Now it’s about making the right move.