D'Anton Lynn

Biography

COACHING ACCOMPLISHMENTS Lynn, who has experience coaching at both the collegiate and NFL levels, joins the Nittany Lions following a two-year stint as USC's defensive coordinator. Since 2023, Lynn’s only year as a defensive coordinator with the UCLA Bruins, he is fifth among defensive coordinators in yards per completions (10.48) and red zone rush touchdown percentage (25.0%), eighth in fewest fourth quarter points allowed per game (4.74), and 10th in fewest rush touchdowns per season (12.0) and red zone touchdown percentage (51.61%). During the 2025 season, USC ranks second in the Big Ten in red zone defense (73.7%; 13th nationally) and third down conversion defense (33.5%; 21st). First-team All-American safety Bishop Fitzgerald ranks second nationally in interceptions per game in 2025 (0.5) and is fifth in total interceptions (5), while linebacker Eric Gentry ranks third nationally in forced fumbles per game (0.42). In Lynn’s first season with the Trojans, USC held opponents to an average of just 24.1 points per game, improving from 34.4 in 2023. The Trojans finished the 2024 season ranked second in the Big Ten and 21st nationally in third-down conversion percentage defense (33.5%), compared to ranking No. 106 (43.6%) in 2023. Safety Jaylin Smith earned All-Big Ten third-team honors, recording 59 tackles, including four tackles for loss and a team-leading 2 interceptions. Prior to USC, Lynn served as the defensive coordinator at UCLA in 2023, where he completely transforme