The search for the next defensive coordinator of the USC Trojans is finally over. On Friday night, reports surfaced of the Trojans’ plan to hire UCLA defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn for the same position at the University of Southern California.
For Bruins fans, it’s a tough blow, as Lynn was regarded as a rising star in the coaching industry. After all, he’s just wrapping up a season where Lynn led the top-ranked defense in the Pac-12. Not to mention, it was Lynn’s first year as coordinator.
Meanwhile, for the Trojans, Lynn’s hire is a big win.
As Trojans fans know all too well, Lincoln Riley’s team has had no trouble scoring points, especially with 2022 Heisman winner Caleb Williams leading the way. Yet, when it comes to stopping opponents, USC ranked 125th out of 133 teams, allowing 34.9 points per game.
Obviously, that can’t continue into next season, and now Lynn will be the primary coach in charge of leading a defensive turnaround.
USC Trojans DC D’Anton Lynn’s Defensive Track Record
Lynn likely isn’t just a familiar name to those who follow the Bruins closely. He’s also the son of former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn, who is currently with the San Francisco 49ers’ coaching staff.
D’Anton played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions from 2008-12. He went undrafted coming out of college but managed to sneak onto the New York Jets’ roster, with his dad operating as the team’s running backs coach at the time. Lynn never played an NFL game, but he quickly got into the coaching sector in 2013, working as an intern with the Jets.
Lynn has since spent time with the Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, and Chargers, in addition to his time at UCLA. Just 34 years old, Lynn steps into the spotlight with the Trojans, where he’ll get to coach some of the best athletes in the country.
After earning $1 million at UCLA, Lynn is reportedly set to double that and make $2 million at USC, per Bruce Feldman of The Athletic.
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