USC hires UCLA's Lynn as DC

USC hired UCLA's D'Anton Lynn as its new defensive coordinator, the Trojans announced Friday.

The Trojans will pay Lynn $2 million per year, twice as much as his annual salary with the Bruins, reports The Athletic's Bruce Feldman. UCLA reportedly made a strong push to keep the 34-year-old, but he opted to join the Bruins' rivals.

"We simply couldn't ask for a better addition to our staff. His successful experiences in both college and the NFL make him the perfect fit for our program," USC head coach Lincoln Riley said of Lynn on Friday.

Lynn joined the Bruins as defensive coordinator in February and did a solid job in his first year. His defense allowed only 18.1 points and 299 total yards per game. Opponents averaged 69.5 rushing yards per contest against UCLA, the second-lowest mark in the nation.

The Bruins' defensive unit was particularly great versus USC this season, forcing three Trojans turnovers while limiting the Caleb Williams-led offense to less than six yards per play.

Lynn landed at UCLA after spending time with multiple NFL teams, most recently as the Baltimore Ravens' safeties coach (2021-22). He's the son of former NFL head coach Anthony Lynn, who's currently the San Francisco 49ers' running backs coach.

The Trojans have been looking for a new defensive coordinator since firing Alex Grinch on Nov. 6, midway through his second season. After allowing 29.2 points per game in 2022, USC gave up 34.9 this year and finished the regular season with a disappointing 7-5 record.

USC needs a defensive overhaul as it heads to the Big Ten in 2024 along with UCLA.