UCLA Reportedly Eyes USC's D'Anton Lynn as HC amid NFL Ties After DeShaun Foster Fired

After firing head coach DeShaun Foster following a 0-3 start to the 2025 season, UCLA is reportedly eyeing a familiar face to be his replacement.

According to The Athletic's Bruce Feldman, USC defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn appears to be a leading candidate for the Bruins' head coaching position. Lynn had served as UCLA DC in 2023 and reportedly "made a big impact with the Bruins in his one season there."

Lynn is the son of former NFL head coach Anthony Lynn, and he's quickly made a name for himself in the coaching ranks. Feldman noted that the 35-year-old "is already on the NFL's radar as a coordinator candidate and has extensive NFL experience from his time on staffs" with the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo Bills and New York Jets.

In less than two seasons, Lynn has instituted a major turnaround for a Trojans defense that allowed 432.8 yards per game in 2023. The team improved to 377.1 ypg allowed last season in Lynn's first year, and it has allowed just 319.3 ypg and 16.7 points per game through three games in 2025.

Feldman added that sources "briefed on the Bruins' strategy said UCLA's most influential supporters connected to the football program think very highly of Lynn." The former Penn State cornerback is known for "being able to connect with players," and Feldman reported that his "even-keeled personality, measured approach and attention to detail have made a lot of folks big believers in him."

"He's just got 'it,'" a veteran coach who has spent a lot of time around Lynn told Feldman.

Program sources told Feldman that the job stability of UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond "has come into question," so it will be important to make the correct decision with the next head coaching hire. While it's still unclear whether Lynn "believes the Bruins have the resources to actually compete at a high level in the Big Ten," per Feldman, he seems to have the pedigree to change the culture for the Bruins if he's tabbed for the job.