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Penn State Names D’Anton Lynn Defensive Coordinator as Campbell Rebuilds Staff

The former Nittany Lions defensive back returns with recent turnaround work at UCLA plus USC.

Overview

  • Penn State announced Friday that Lynn, a 2008–11 PSU alum, will lead the defense under new head coach Matt Campbell.
  • Ikaika Malloe has been hired as defensive line coach, reuniting with Lynn after their 2023 season together at UCLA, according to Yahoo Sports.
  • Lynn’s recent units showed marked gains, with UCLA jumping to No. 10 in total defense in 2023 and USC cutting points allowed in each of the past two seasons.
  • He replaces Jim Knowles, who left for Tennessee, as staff changes continue with Anthony Poindexter heading to the Vols and Andy Kotelnicki returning to Kansas; former DL coach Deion Barnes is now at South Carolina.
  • Reports indicate Campbell and Lynn have explored adding former PSU lineman DeOn'Tae Pannell to the staff, while the transfer portal window now open sets up concurrent roster moves.