Lincoln Riley Promised to Improve the Trojans’ Defense, Yet They Struggled Again in the Alamo Bowl

USC Football Faces Uncertainty as Defensive Coordinator D’Anton Lynn Departs

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — In a series of significant changes for USC football, head coach Lincoln Riley has promised a transformative future for the Trojans’ defense, following the departure of defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn. This shift comes just after Lynn took the same position at Penn State, a day that has left USC evaluating its defensive strategy anew.

"We will play great defense here," Riley stated in November 2023. "It is going to happen. There’s not a reason in the world why it can’t." However, concerns are growing among fans and stakeholders regarding the fulfillment of that pledge, particularly after a heart-wrenching loss in the Alamo Bowl against Texas Christian.

USC blew a 10-point lead in the final minutes of the game—which saw TCU playing without its star quarterback—ultimately falling in overtime due to missed tackles on a decisive touchdown. This defeat has amplified scrutiny on the Trojans’ defensive shortcomings, despite some progress under Lynn’s leadership.

Riley noted, "The arrow is pointing straight up," emphasizing his optimism about the future of the defense. He acknowledged the opportunity to hire a new coordinator, aiming to elevate the defense from "very good" to "great."

Despite Riley’s assurances, results have been inconsistent. Lynn’s tenure saw improvements, with the Trojans advancing from 121st to 56th nationally in scoring defense in his first season. However, the defensive performance waned in his second year, hindered by a lack of experienced personnel and frequent mistakes.

Lynn mentioned the challenges posed by a younger, less seasoned roster, admitting he had to "scale back" the defense significantly. "It’s different when you’re teaching an 18-year-old versus teaching a guy who has been at two to three schools who has already played a bunch of college ball," he explained.

In light of these challenges, the USC football program will need to find a new defensive coordinator—Riley’s third hire in five seasons. Several candidates are already emerging, including former Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and Cincinnati Bengals’ Al Golden, both of whom bring experience and connections to USC’s athletics program.

Riley expressed confidence in the appeal of the upcoming role, stating, "We have the personnel. We’re on an upward trend… This will be an extremely, extremely coveted job." He remains optimistic about quick hiring prospects, noting the attention his phone has received since the announcement.

Lynn leaves the program with a highly regarded recruiting class, expected to bolster the defensive lineup. Key recruits like defensive linemen Jahkeem Stewart and Floyd Boucard are anticipated to fill notable gaps, especially with the loss of key starters in the secondary and at linebacker.

As USC prepares for a demanding schedule ahead, the next coordinator will face immediate pressure to deliver results. Furthermore, Riley’s own job security may influence the search, making some potential candidates hesitant.

Nevertheless, Riley remains undeterred, stating, "I definitely don’t want to press reset… I’m excited about the process, and I think it’s going to make us better." With the search for a new defensive leader underway, both players and fans are left awaiting the next chapter in USC’s quest for defensive excellence.