USC, defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn agree to contract extension

USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn has agreed to a contract extension to remain with the Trojans, per On3’s Pete Nakos. This season was Lynn’s first at USC. He spent the 2023 season under former head coach Chip Kelly at UCLA.

Lynn’s decision to continue to coach at USC is a massive boost for the program. USC allowed just 337.5 yards per game this season. For comparison, the Trojans gave up 432.8 yards per game in the 2023 campaign, the 15th-most in the country.

Due to his success at USC, Lynn has reportedly been the target of other programs around the country in need of a defensive coordinator. Most notably, Penn State showed interest in the 35-year-old DC after it lost Tom Allen to Clemson this month, according to Matt Fortuna.

Nonetheless, Lynn will run it back with head coach Lincoln Riley and USC. As of this report, the details of Lynn’s contract extension haven’t been released.

Even with Lynn’s future at USC secured, the Trojans still have a long offseason ahead of them. USC lost several defensive standouts to the transfer portal after the season, including EDGE Sam Greene and defensive lineman Bear Alexander.

Alas, the Trojans haven’t wallowed in self-pity, instead signing defensive talents such as Keeshawn Silver and DJ Harvey to soften the blow of their losses. With D’Anton Lynn leading the way, USC will look to take another step forward on defense next season.

Transfer safety Bishop Fitzgerald commits to USC

On Tuesday, former NC State safety Bishop Fitzgerald committed to USC, via the NCAA Transfer Portal, per On3’s Hayes Fawcett. He spent two seasons with the Wolfpack after beginning his career at the junior college level.

In his two seasons at NC State, Fitzgerald amassed 97 tackles, 11 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and five interceptions. For his efforts in the 2024 campaign, Fitzgerald was named an All-ACC Honorable Mention selection.

Before coming to NC State, Fitzgerald tallied 50 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks in 11 games in the 2022 season at Coffeyville Community College. He also recorded six interceptions, two fumble recoveries, eight passes defended and a forced fumble.

He was considered the No. 1 safety coming out of the JUCO ranks in 2023, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.