Penn State is bringing one of its own back to Happy Valley - and it’s a move that could reshape the Big Ten defensive landscape. D’Anton Lynn, a former Nittany Lion cornerback and one of college football’s rising defensive minds, is set to become Penn State’s new defensive coordinator under first-year head coach Matt Campbell.
Lynn leaves USC after two seasons with the Trojans and one prior with crosstown rival UCLA, where he quickly built a reputation for turning around underperforming defenses. His return to his alma mater isn’t just a sentimental hire - it’s a strategic one, and a significant win for Campbell as he builds his staff following a decade at Iowa State.
Let’s talk about what Penn State is getting here.
A Proven Defensive Turnaround Artist
Lynn’s impact at USC was immediate and measurable. In 2023, the Trojans were ranked 121st in scoring defense - a liability that consistently undercut Lincoln Riley’s high-powered offense.
But under Lynn’s leadership, that unit climbed to 56th in 2024 and 48th in 2025. That kind of leap in back-to-back seasons doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s the result of a coordinator who knows how to scheme, teach, and adjust.
Before his college coaching days, Lynn spent nearly a decade in the NFL, working with five different franchises - including the Jets, Bills, Chargers, Texans, and Ravens. That pro-level experience shows up in his approach. His defenses play fast, disciplined football, and they’re known for their ability to disguise coverages and create confusion for opposing quarterbacks.
A Timely Hire for a Program in Transition
Penn State’s defense had been a hallmark of consistency from 2021 to 2024, regularly finishing in the top 10 in scoring defense. But last season, with Jim Knowles running the show, the Nittany Lions slipped to 31st. That’s not catastrophic by any means, but it was a clear step back - and it came during a turbulent year that saw the program fire longtime head coach James Franklin after a disappointing 3-3 start.
Campbell took over and helped steady the ship. Penn State rallied to win four straight games to close the season, including a 22-10 win over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl. Now, with Lynn on board, the Nittany Lions are looking to re-establish their defensive identity as a cornerstone of their next chapter.
A Bold Move in the Big Ten Arms Race
Make no mistake - this hire sends a message. Penn State didn’t just land a promising coordinator; they pulled him away from a fellow Big Ten contender. USC is heading into the Alamo Bowl with a 9-3 record, and while the Trojans have made strides, next season looms as a critical one for Lincoln Riley.
Riley’s offensive credentials are well established, but his defenses - particularly under former coordinator Alex Grinch - have been the Achilles’ heel. After finally moving on from Grinch, Riley brought in Lynn to fix what was broken. And to Lynn’s credit, he got the job moving in the right direction.
Now, Riley is back to square one on the defensive side, tasked with finding another DC who can pick up where Lynn left off - and do it in a conference that’s only getting tougher.
A Homecoming with High Stakes
For Lynn, this is more than just a return to familiar surroundings. It’s a chance to elevate his coaching career at a place where he once roamed the secondary as a player.
He knows what Penn State football means to that community. He knows the expectations - and the pressure that comes with them.
The Nittany Lions believe they can contend for a Big Ten title and more. If Lynn can get the defense back to its elite form, that belief starts to look a lot more like reality.
This is a hire with both heart and teeth. And for a Penn State program looking to regain its footing in a changing college football landscape, it might just be the spark they need.