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

The PSU alum returns to lead a defensive reset following two seasons coordinating USC.

Overview

  • Penn State officially announced Friday that former Nittany Lions defensive back D’Anton Lynn will serve as Matt Campbell’s defensive coordinator.
  • Lynn arrives from USC after coordinating the Trojans’ defense in 2024 and 2025 and previously leading a top‑10 total defense at UCLA in 2023 following nine years as an NFL assistant.
  • Multiple outlets report UCLA assistant Ikaika Malloe is expected to take over the defensive line, reuniting with Lynn from their 2023 Bruins season.
  • Lynn replaces Jim Knowles, who left for Tennessee, and former Penn State co-defensive coordinator Anthony Poindexter is expected to join the Volunteers’ staff as a defensive backs coach.
  • Campbell’s overhaul continues as staff roles are finalized and transfer‑portal recruiting ramps up to reshape the roster for 2026.