Penn State Reportedly Tabs D’Anton Lynn as Defensive Coordinator Under Matt Campbell

Penn State head football coach Matt Campbell is reportedly making a major addition to his coaching staff, targeting USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn to lead the Nittany Lions’ defense. The hire has not yet been made official.

Once finalized, the move would mark a return to Happy Valley for Lynn, who played at Penn State from 2008–11 as a defensive back. Lynn appeared in more than 40 games during his career and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition before a brief professional playing stint.

Lynn has rapidly ascended the coaching ranks. He spent nearly a decade working as an assistant in the NFL before moving to the college level. He broke through nationally as UCLA’s defensive coordinator in 2023, then took over the same role at USC, where he was credited with helping stabilize a struggling Trojans defense.

Penn State’s pursuit of Lynn reportedly includes negotiating a buyout from his USC contract, which was recently adjusted amid rising interest from other programs. Once completed, the hire would give Campbell a rising defensive mind with deep program ties.