USC’s defensive revival sparks D’Anton Lynn head coaching rumors

Lincoln Riley praises Lynn’s rapid turnaround and future potential

The USC Trojans are 3-0, but it’s not the offense grabbing headlines. It’s the defense. Since hiring D’Anton Lynn in December 2023, USC has gone from one of the nation’s most vulnerable units to one of its strongest. In less than two years, Lynn has transformed a defense that allowed 34 points per game into one giving up just 16.7 in 2025.

The numbers tell the story for this defense. In his first season, USC trimmed opponents’ scoring by 10 points per game, setting the stage for this year’s dominant start. His defensive schemes are producing big plays, like defensive tackle Jamaal Jarrett’s interception return touchdown against Purdue. His leadership has caught the eye of Lincoln Riley, who believes Lynn has what it takes to run his own program.

“If D’Anton wants to be a head coach, he would be a really good one,” Riley said this week.

With UCLA searching for a new leader after firing DeShaun Foster, Lynn’s name is already circulating. But for now, his focus remains on USC’s Big Ten home opener against undefeated Michigan State on Saturday.

Lynn’s rise has been fast, and USC’s defense is proof that his influence is undeniable. If he keeps this up, the head coaching offers won’t be rumors, they’ll be reality.

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