Penn State set to hire D’Anton Lynn as defensive coordinator, report says

Penn State football coach Matt Campbell is hiring USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn as the new leader of the Nittany Lions’ defense, CBS Sports first reported Monday.

The 36-year-old Lynn, who played cornerback at Penn State from 2008-11, is ending his second season as defensive coordinator with the Trojans, who rank 47th in total and scoring defense this season, 62nd in rushing defense and 80th in pass defense efficiency.

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He’s staying with USC until after the Trojans meet TCU on Tuesday night in the Alamo Bowl.

He previously served as UCLA defensive coordinator in 2023 and as an NFL assistant coach for nine seasons with Baltimore, Houston, Buffalo and the Los Angeles Chargers.

Anthony Lynn, his father, is an assistant coach with the Washington Commanders.

Jon Heacock, who served as defensive coordinator for Campbell for 12 years at Iowa State and Toledo, recently announced his retirement.

In other news, three Penn State players plan to place their names in the NCAA transfer portal when it opens Friday, according to a report Monday by On3.

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Defensive end Zuriah Fisher, linebacker Keon Wylie and wide receiver Anthony Ivey, a Manheim Township grad, are all expected to leave the Lions.

Fisher played in 11 games this season, starting each one, and had 19 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one pass breakup, one forced fumble and five quarterback hurries.

Wylie played in every game, including three starts, and had 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one pass breakup and three quarterback hurries.

Ivey has played sparingly during his four seasons at Penn State. He saw action in 22 games, including 10 this season, and had one catch in his career for 15 yards last year against Kent State.