With Tom Allen heading to Clemson, Penn State and James Franklin are looking for a new defensive coordinator for the second consecutive seasons.
Penn State sources say the search is currently focused on;
USC DC D'Anton Lynn
Browns assistant Ephraim Banda
Indiana DC Bryant Haines
Ohio State DC Jim Knowles
Knowles is viewed as the home run hire Franklin wants but getting him from Ohio State is viewed as unlikely.
Haines is a rising name after Indiana’s strong season, but he has been with Cignetti at every stop and would be a tough pull. But money talks.
Which brings us to Lynn. Michigan sources believe Lynn was the top choice to replace Jesse Minter last season, but with Harbaugh’s late departure, then Moore’s late hire, Lynn along with multiple other Ravens tree assistants already had new jobs. With Lincoln Riley on a hot seat, Lynn may be looking to leave USC after just one season.
With Wink Martindale interviewing for NFL DC openings, Lynn’s name has come up again as a potential top candidate in Ann Arbor.
Michigan’s top priority is keeping Wink Martindale. The fear of course is Wink going through the process, leaving, and Michigan again missing out on a candidate because of late timing.
We should know more about Wink’s level of interest in these openings, their interest in him, and potentially him deciding to stay before decisions or made in the next few days. Until then, keep an eye on Penn State.
Penn State sources say the search is currently focused on;
USC DC D'Anton Lynn
Browns assistant Ephraim Banda
Indiana DC Bryant Haines
Ohio State DC Jim Knowles
Knowles is viewed as the home run hire Franklin wants but getting him from Ohio State is viewed as unlikely.
Haines is a rising name after Indiana’s strong season, but he has been with Cignetti at every stop and would be a tough pull. But money talks.
Which brings us to Lynn. Michigan sources believe Lynn was the top choice to replace Jesse Minter last season, but with Harbaugh’s late departure, then Moore’s late hire, Lynn along with multiple other Ravens tree assistants already had new jobs. With Lincoln Riley on a hot seat, Lynn may be looking to leave USC after just one season.
With Wink Martindale interviewing for NFL DC openings, Lynn’s name has come up again as a potential top candidate in Ann Arbor.
Michigan’s top priority is keeping Wink Martindale. The fear of course is Wink going through the process, leaving, and Michigan again missing out on a candidate because of late timing.
We should know more about Wink’s level of interest in these openings, their interest in him, and potentially him deciding to stay before decisions or made in the next few days. Until then, keep an eye on Penn State.
