D’Anton Lynn Will Bring Big Changes to the USC D

Why D’Anton Lynn was the only offer USC made for its next defensive coordinator

Head coach Lincoln Riley says Lynn will bring a ‘very different system,’ and speaks confidently about Lynn’s ability to revitalize the Trojans’ defense

New USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn will bring plenty of philosophical changes. Lynn got the most out of a UCLA defensive line ripe with talent this fall, with the Bruins finishing the season ranked sixth in the FBS in sacks. Lynn blends pressure, too, with a healthy mix of loose zone in the secondary, the kind that limited big plays from USC quarterback Caleb Williams when the teams met last month. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
New USC DC D’Anton Lynn will bring plenty of philosophical changes and a “very different system” to the Trojans. Lynn got the most out of a strong UCLA defensive line, with the Bruins finishing the season 6th in the FBS in sacks. Lynn blends pressure, too, with a healthy mix of loose zone in the secondary, the kind that limited big plays from Caleb Williams on Nov. 18. (Photo by David Crane, LADN/SCNG)

Luca Evans (OC Register)  —  LOS ANGELES — All roads in this USC program have always led back to the late Mike Leach, the legendary figure whose coaching tree branches through Lincoln Riley and a swath of USC’s sideline.

So the bombshell hiring of UCLA defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, it seemed, was a notable departure from that history for Riley, a home run swing on an up-and-comer. Except a morsel of history still ties Lynn here – once upon a time, a defensive back out of Celina High in Texas recruited heavily by Leach and Texas Tech.

“At the end of the day,” said Dave Emerick, the USC football program’s general manager and formerly a member of Leach’s Texas Tech staff, “he broke our hearts and went to Penn State.”

Fifteen years later, life has come full circle, as Emerick and company’s full-bore pursuit of Lynn finally paid off in minting him as USC’s next defensive coordinator. The son of former Chargers coach Anthony Lynn and a “rising star in the coaching profession,” as Riley put it, the 34-year-old Lynn’s one-year ascent at UCLA to a Broyles Award nomination was the stuff of marvel – completely transforming a mediocre Bruins defense into one of the best units in the country.

“I went into this thing with the goal of bringing the very best here,” Riley said, “and I feel like we’ve done that.”

This “thing,” upon reflection, was a two-week gauntlet of a search that was kept tightly guarded amid constant conjecture. Riley, he said Monday, had spoken with some of the best defensive minds in the country. Rumors flew about around Illinois defensive analyst Jim Leonhard and Nebraska coordinator Tony White; it was a coveted position, Emerick said.

“D’Anton was the only guy that we ever made an offer to,” Emerick said.

Lynn’s alignment with Riley’s vision

In early November, the emotional toll of having fired a friend written in the lines of his face, Riley made a proclamation multiple times – USC would field a great defense.

“Period,” Riley said. “It’s gonna happen soon. There’s no reason why it can’t.”

That commitment to the defensive side of the ball had been questioned by the public since Riley’s days dating to Oklahoma, an offensive mastermind who never trotted out a truly elite unit on the other side of the ball. It was a constant around the program, the knowledge that Caleb Williams and company could only go as far as a defense that could reliably get them the ball.

“Realistically – yeah, there was pressure since the first day back after last season,” said a source close to the program.

It was a constant, too, that eventually led to the firing of scapegoat defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, and led to Riley having to emphatically assert his vision for USC’s defense in that November press conference. The importance of the hire, Emerick said, was paramount – even taking priority to haste with the opening of the transfer portal window on Dec. 3.

And within that importance, Riley made clear on Monday, he had a couple of non-negotiables in searching for a candidate. The first priority, he said, was a style of playing with size up front – an area exposed often in USC’s defense this past season, particularly in a loss to Oregon in which the Ducks generated 23 pressures and USC generated all of three.

“Does it need to get better? Hell yeah,” Riley said after that game, when asked about USC’s approach to building size up front. “Is it gonna get better? Hell yeah.”

The second priority, Riley indicated, was flexibility in adapting to personnel; not someone who would bring a set-in-stone scheme, but someone with “creativity,” as the head coach described.

It’s there where Lynn’s background becomes paramount, as he bounced around the NFL at various stops before settling in for a two-year run as the defensive backs coach of the Baltimore Ravens. Tough to ignore the pedigree, Riley said. And the boxes checked led to an aggressive pursuit, as Emerick said “UCLA obviously wanted to keep him very badly” – and a source close to the situation said USC made an offer higher than the $1.02 million deal Lynn had signed with UCLA.

“We made a push to keep D’Anton, and obviously weren’t in the ballpark from that standpoint,” UCLA coach Chip Kelly said on Sunday.

The future of USC’s defensive philosophy

This was such a big swing of a hire, in part, because a host of more established names existed on the market. Yes, Lynn has that NFL pedigree – but he’s also served just one year as a college coordinator, and conventional wisdom stands: what if he doesn’t have enough experience? 

“There obviously was a level of, he just did this one year, so – is it just a one-year wonder type-thing?” Emerick said. “But that’s where you have really in-depth conversations, and get to know really what he’s all about. So the more we talked to him, the more comfortable we got with him, the more we felt that he would be a really, really good pairing with Coach Riley’s offense.”

USC WRs Ja’Kobi Lane and Duce Robinson pose for a picture with new Trojan DC, D’Anton Lynn

And Lynn will bring plenty of philosophical changes, as Riley has said. The coordinator got the most out of a UCLA line ripe with talent, the Bruins finishing the season ranked sixth in the FBS in sacks. He blends pressure, too, with a healthy mix of loose zone in the secondary that limited big plays from Williams when USC faced the Bruins to close the regular season.

“This is a very different system,” Riley said, “than what we were running previously.”

As the offseason – and transfer portal movement – rages on, it will be notable to see how the personnel molds in Lynn’s image. The same program source told the Southern California News Group that USC’s defensive coaches, this week, are out “recruiting as if we’re coming back … we’re kind of all fighting for our lives, fighting for our jobs.”

“We’re gonna do whatever’s best for the program,” Emerick said when asked about potential defensive staffing changes. “D’Anton will have the opportunity to visit with all our assistant coaches currently, he’ll have a chance to suggest some other coaches out there, and just kinda figure out the best mix for our team going forward.”

That same staff, it appears, will have an audition of sorts for their 2024 jobs in the Holiday Bowl. Lynn, the source said, won’t be coaching on the field or calling plays against Louisville on Dec. 27 in San Diego – likely because elevating him would mean dropping a coach from “countable” status in accordance with NCAA rules. He’ll still be present in team meetings and preparation, the source said.

All will be evaluated, it seems, under the standard Riley put forth to Lynn: all hands on deck to “accelerate the process” of playing great defense at USC, Riley said Monday.

“The ultimate goal is to play great defense around here,” Emerick said, “and D’Anton is not scared of that. He’s not intimidated by that. That’s what he’s come here to do, and we’re very excited about that.”

The USC defense couldn’t stop a nosebleed all season long. Lynn’s addition has brought a huge breath of fresh air to the program.

ocregister.com

_______

TrojanDailyBlog members —  We always encourage you to add factual information, insight, divergent opinions, or new topics to the TDB that don’t necessarily pertain to any particular moderator post or member comment.

 

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DanaPtTrojan
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DanaPtTrojan
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December 8, 2023 4:54 pm

A final Friday thought about the “transfer portal”. This is a quick, easy attempt to remedy pre-existing deficiencies. It would appear that most portal transfers are nothing less than “mercenaries” in search of “play time”. Only a few have demonstrated overt allegiance to USC and what is means to be a Trojan. But I could be wrong. Have a good weekend and best regards!

illinoisusc
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December 9, 2023 6:35 am
Reply to  DanaPtTrojan

Insightful post.

SC Gator
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December 9, 2023 8:21 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Kudos for using “influenced” instead of “impacted.”

Chris
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Chris
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December 9, 2023 10:23 am
Reply to  DanaPtTrojan

It’s just part of sports culture now. Kids grow up switching teams constantly. They play for different AAU, travel baseball, 7 on 7 teams from year to year, often it’s from weekend to weekend. They switch high schools based upon playing time, or parents opinion of program or coach, or a simple thing we used to call discipline and accountability. It’s now trickled its way up to college football. No more waiting for your turn, go now! Play now! Switch again if you have to. Kids are better now than ever due to year round coaching and opportunities to play,… Read more »

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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December 8, 2023 6:41 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

So…..Lynn is saying he wants big, quick, fast, mean, smart linemen…….and Riley wants to focus on the best coaching…….. could have provided this guidance for less than 12 million. LOL. Note to Lynn….you just described what most folks call 5 star recruits. Good luck finding these folks as transfers short of having a semi truck full of NFL level cash. Sounds like Riley is trying to hold on to some of the existing staff……ok…..but actions have consequences……of course after you’ve collected 50 million from USC I guess those consequences will appear to be slight. I am somewhat optimistic about Lynn… Read more »

Golden Trojan
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December 8, 2023 7:41 am
Reply to  illinoisusc

Lynn wants big, versatile defensive linemen. He will emphasize tackling fundamentals over and over and over and over again in drills and watching tape. LR and Cohen want to give him the best coaches and players by any means necessary. Sounds good, let’s see, first recruits and portal then spring then fall then on the field.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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December 8, 2023 11:30 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

It all sounds good alright. But words only go so far before we see the reality. Based on what I have seen & read about Lynn, he appears to be what we need in reshaping the defense into a physical unit. What I am concerned about is his staff. Will too many present coaches be retained from these horrific past two years? And of course, the recruits & underclassmen. How soon will they be able to play sufficient Big Ten football.

ATL D.D.S.
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December 7, 2023 1:19 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Sounds underwhelming.

Golden Trojan
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Golden Trojan
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December 7, 2023 6:01 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

When SC gets Latu or Murphy away from UCLA or some other top linemen on D then I will get excited.

Steveg
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Steveg
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December 7, 2023 6:07 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

USC is going to have to get into the game all the way or end up with mediocrity. We are talking $$$.

Golden Trojan
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December 7, 2023 11:11 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Colorado gets the best OL in the country and we get a LS. Whoo Hoo Trojans are back! 😫

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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December 7, 2023 12:19 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

We weren’t even in the running for this kid. I miss the days when SC would get their share of the best OL prospects in the country.

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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December 8, 2023 1:02 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

Oh brother!…….we are not even named. Maybe Riley should run for president….he seems really good at talking.

Golden Trojan
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Golden Trojan
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December 7, 2023 9:42 am

Oregon State safety Akili Arnold entered the transfer portal today and was immediately offered by USC. OSU and WSU should be prime for the picking now that they are essentially Group of 5 schools.

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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December 7, 2023 10:04 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Bet the best of the litter end up at Michigan State.

volunteerTrojan
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December 7, 2023 7:07 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I’d love to see the future stats on how many are picked up elsewhere, and of them, how many actually get more playing time or a better role. I have to think it’ll be a small percentage.

Chris
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Chris
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December 7, 2023 8:59 am

I believe there is a safety net for players. They can return to school under scholarship just no more playing sports. At least I thought I heard this somewhere?

Steveg
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Steveg
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December 6, 2023 4:30 pm

Hank Pepper, new USC long snapper commit. Wonder if his dad is a doctor.

SC Gator
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December 6, 2023 4:40 pm
Reply to  Steveg

If only.
He’s just a sergeant.

Chris
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Chris
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December 6, 2023 4:46 pm
Reply to  SC Gator

Maybe he can someday become a doctor, with a little help from his friends

SC Gator
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December 6, 2023 4:50 pm
Reply to  Chris

Doubtful. His lieutenant says he’s a nowhere man.

ATL D.D.S.
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December 7, 2023 6:38 am
Reply to  SC Gator

Think of the young man’s NIL opportunities with Dr. Pepper (the tasty beverage).

volunteerTrojan
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December 7, 2023 7:04 am
Reply to  Chris

Or maybe a Sultan.

RialtoTrojan
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December 6, 2023 9:36 am

In 2010 I started saying the NCAA is a corrupt and unnecessary organization, now I can say it with better ammunition. After reading this article (above)on my e-paper page, I stumbled across an article that talked about the NCAA’s proposal to have all D-1 schools offer $30k per student athlete (per season). So, the institution that is supposed to guarantee students are amateurs, now wants a guaranteed income? Thinking about why this change would come from the NCAA, I realized the lie of amateur student athletes has been shredded. But it’s not a “if you can’t beat them, join them,”… Read more »

Golden Trojan
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December 6, 2023 9:55 am
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Well it’s $30K more than some are getting now. This would make athletes employees of the university. All the regulations of the states would come into play. If athletes get paid why not cheerleaders, song girls, baton twirlers, dance teams, band members, theater groups and on and on. There will soon be a Premiere League of college sports with paid athletes and the rest of D-1 college sports with scholarship only athletes hoping to transfer up to the big time before going full Pro, NFL, NBA, MLB. This Premiere League will have no school loyalty with players transferring at will… Read more »

Golden Trojan
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December 5, 2023 1:21 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

What was BW not doing that now LR recognizes he should? Are the changes coming from LR, BW or DL? Was BW not allowed to do things his way? Either a guy knows how to get players bigger, stronger, faster or he doesn’t.

Chris
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Chris
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December 6, 2023 6:44 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Who knows what those guys do. We all like to talk about it, but we don’t know what happens. Is BW a good coach? Is he not? I can tell you this, if we win a bunch he seems great, not so much if we lose.

Golden Trojan
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December 6, 2023 9:27 am
Reply to  Chris

They are responsible for developing strength, size, speed and agility. They develop position specific programs of strength training, agility drills, speed drills, and diet. The concepts aren’t secrets. The biggest challenge is to make it to make it interesting by challenging and entertaining athletes.

Chris
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Chris
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December 6, 2023 1:36 pm
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Sorry Golden, I know what they do. What I meant was, nobody knows what specifics are in their programs. Everyone gets a little promo video watching guys lift, or run through some agility drill. We get their MPH numbers now that those little vest things are around. But, Is BW better at putting together a program and seeing it through than others? Thats the part that I don’t think any of us would know. I hope so. S&C coaches get more time with players than anyone, so I hope he is building culture and performance. But I don’t have a… Read more »

Jamaica
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December 5, 2023 1:01 pm

We will find out soon enough if Lynn likes the current defensive coaches or not. I can’t believe he will keep them all. That it was Grinch alone that failed to address the poor tackling, missed assignments/gap responsibilities and lack of gang tackling bringing the ball carrier down instead of standing there watching one tackler do the job that plagued the defense for two seasons. These issues must be addressed or it makes no difference who is the DC & coaches.

Jamaica
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December 5, 2023 1:01 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Amen Allen, me too!

Golden Trojan
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December 5, 2023 1:03 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

The Portal seems to work best when a player can follow his coach to a new school. Caleb Williams and Mario Williams are the best example. They know the system. They aren’t left behind when the coach moves on. That might be why it was set up in the first place. Otherwise it would be hard to go to a new program with different systems and phylosophies and fit in and get up to speed.

Chris
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Chris
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December 5, 2023 1:54 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

All I know is Grinch took guys producing elsewhere and made them worse or didn’t play them at all. We shouldn’t be the litmus test for portal. FlaSt, Oregon, UW, Ole Miss, Michigan, Georgia, and Texas all have big time portal guys. Portal can be a sure thing if you bring in guys who have produced at college level.

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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December 6, 2023 3:22 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Yep!…….retreads left for a reason…..sometimes good……sometimes bad.

Chris
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Chris
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December 6, 2023 4:47 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

First commit…….. a long snapper.

Steveg
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Steveg
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December 5, 2023 6:14 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Benton, Thompson, and Colombo.

Chris
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Chris
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December 5, 2023 11:03 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

It will all depend on FSU sorting out QB. If they can get an OK level of play from the QB, they will be more than in it. Their defense is every bit as good as Georgia’s. Better on the D Line.

Steveg
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Steveg
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December 5, 2023 6:13 pm
Reply to  Chris

So FSU beats Georgia, Alabama beats Michigan, and Texas beats Washington, who becomes #1. Let the committee and espn work that one out.

Trojanfanatic
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December 5, 2023 8:09 am

Hope D’Anton is allowed to bring in his own staff. Should the defense not develop as we expect, and we still have Grinch holdovers, accountably is harder to pinpoint. Let’s this young man tap into the resources and connections he’s fostered as a player and coach so we can start fresh. Looking forward to next season.

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