STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State ’s first-ever 16-game season is in the books and the Nittany Lions are the preseason No. 1 in Stewart Mandel’s way-too-early 2025 projections .
Of course, there are still gaping holes on this team, notably at wide receiver and with a defensive coordinator who still needs to be hired to replace Tom Allen . Advertisement Thanks for your questions as we turn the page on the season. Note: Submitted questions have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Who are the favorites for the defensive coordinator hire? Did we try to get D’Anton Lynn? Saw he signed a new contract at USC. — Max C. Yes, Penn State was interested in Lynn.
He’s been on Franklin’s radar the last few years, has a unique understanding of this place after playing here and is viewed as one of the more intriguing young coaches in the profession. Franklin thinks highly of him. Given the ups and downs at USC with Lincoln Riley, I could’ve seen Lynn electing to come here and think it would’ve worked.
He’s also someone I could see returning to the NFL , where his career started, if he wanted. However, Lynn wanted to stay at USC and in turn, Penn State’s search continued. Safeties coach Anthony Poindexter, the co-defensive coordinator, is the top internal candidate.
Given how well he’s worked with Franklin, he’s certainly an intriguing choice. The fact Franklin is leaving every stone unturned and didn’t simply promote Poindexter from within immediately speaks.
