UCLA Football: Bruins Defensive Coordinator For LA Bowl Revealed

After UCLA apparently cheaped out when it came to retaining star defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn, letting the steward of the Bruins' No. 11-ranked defense jump ship to crosstown nemesis the USC Trojans, fans were left reeling.

Now, at least, we have discovered the identity of Lynn's replacement, at least for the immediate postseason. Lynn will indeed be manning the defense for USC ahead of its Holiday Bowl meeting with Louisville.

James H. Williams of The Orange County Register reports that current defensive line/outside linebacker coach Ikaika Malloe will assume overall defensive coordinator duties for the 7-5 Bruins' LA Bowl matchup against Boise State, slated for this Saturday, December 16th at SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Whether or not UCLA head coach Chip Kelly views Malloe as a legitimate candidate to take over for Lynn long-term remains to be seen, but it's perhaps telling that Malloe was the pick for the gig this weekend.

In terms of in-house alternatives, assistant head coach, passing game coordinator, and defensive backs coach Brian Norwood, inside linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr., and defensive line coach Chad Kauha’aha’a all were passed over for the opportunity. So at least Malloe could have a leg up over these three colleagues.

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