Penn State Potential top candidate to replace Tom Allen off the board after signing extension

Former Penn State defensive back D’Anton Lynn has committed to USC long-term, signing an extension to remain the Trojans’ defensive coordinator after being linked as a potential candidate to replace Tom Allen at Penn State.

Last offseason, Lynn left his defensive coordinator role at UCLA to take the same position at USC. Following significant defensive improvements in 2024, Lynn’s name surfaced as a possible successor to Allen, who left Penn State to become Clemson’s defensive coordinator. However, USC head coach Lincoln Riley acted swiftly to secure Lynn’s services.

On Thursday, Lynn, 35, signed a contract extension to stay at USC. While the Trojans’ defense isn’t fully transformed, Lynn’s unit allowed 10 fewer points per game compared to the 2023 squad coached by Alex Grinch, a long-time Riley assistant. Notably, Penn State scored 33 points against USC in a narrow overtime victory in Los Angeles this season.

Although Lynn didn’t interview for the Penn State job, his connection to his alma mater likely helped him negotiate a lucrative extension at USC, where Riley faces growing pressure to deliver results entering his fourth season. With Lynn out of the running, Penn State’s search for Allen’s replacement now leans toward internal candidates.

So far, the only reported external interview has been with Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda, a former Manny Diaz protégé who coached with Allen’s predecessor at Texas, Mississippi State, and Miami. Banda later served as Utah State’s defensive coordinator while Diaz was at Penn State.

If Penn State opts not to hire Banda or pursue other external options, the most likely candidate is safeties coach Anthony Poindexter. Poindexter briefly served as interim defensive coordinator during the 2023 Peach Bowl loss to Ole Miss after Diaz departed for Duke. A member of the Penn State staff since 2021, Poindexter has been co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach, making him a logical choice for the role.