D'Anton Lynn, a three-time All-Big Ten cornerback, was considered a long-term candidate to return to the Penn State football program someday. But if the Lions hope to hire their high-profile alumnus, they'll have to go through new Big Ten rival USC.
USC coach Lincoln Riley has hired Lynn as his new defensive coordinator, making a bold cross-town move in prying the coach from UCLA. Lynn had been the Bruins' defensive coordinator for one season, elevating the program from No. 90 nationally in scoring defense to 16th in one season. The Bruins also went from 87th to 11th in scoring defense.
According to The Athletic's Bruce Feldman, USC is paying Lynn $2 million per year, a significant raise from UCLA. The Bruins improved from sixth to first in the Pac-12 in total defense this season.
"We are thrilled to welcome D'Anton and his family to USC," Riley said in an athletic department statement. "We simply couldn't ask for a better addition to our staff. His successful experiences in both college and the NFL make him the perfect fit for our program."
Lynn's name floated in some circles for Penn State's defensive coordinator opening in 2022, when head coach James Franklin hired Manny Diaz. At the time, Lynn coached safeties for the Baltimore Ravens. He spent his first nine coaching seasons in the NFL, working for the New York Jets, Buffalo, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston and Baltimore. UCLA coach Chip Kelly hired Lynn as his defensive coordinator in February.
Lynn was a three-time All-Big Ten cornerback at Penn State from 2009-11. He made three of his four career interceptions during the 2010 season.
With Lynn at USC, that most likely removes him from contention should Diaz leave for a head-coaching position this offseason. Diaz has been linked to several jobs, including the opening at Duke.
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