USC Hires UCLA’s D’Anton Lynn as New Defensive Coordinator

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Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans made a huge addition to their coaching staff Friday as they hired D’Anton Lynn away from rival UCLA as their new defensive coordinator, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Lynn, 34, is an emerging star in the college coaching ranks following an impressive first season leading the Bruins’ defense in 2023. He took a unit that was ranked No. 89 in total defense the previous year and turned them into the No. 11 team in the nation.

He will have his work cut out for him as he replaces Alex Grinch, who was fired during the season following the Trojans’ loss to Washington back on Nov. 4.

Grinch and the rest of USC’s defense struggled mightily this season, allowing 34.92 points per game along with a staggering 438.8 yards of total offense– both of which are bottom 3 marks in the Pac-12.

Prior to his stint at UCLA, Lynn had nearly a decade of experience working at the professional level with a variety of NFL teams. His most notable position came with the Baltimore Ravens from 2021-22 as the team’s secondary coach.

Lynn will help lead the Trojans into a new era as they enter the Big 10 next season. He’ll look to improve an offensive side of the ball that is already elite thanks to Riley and Co.[»19659009]…
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