STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — The Matt Campbell era has its cabinet.
Penn State officially announced several key coaching hires on New Year’s Day, blending Campbell’s trusted lieutenants from Iowa State with key holdovers who know the Penn State culture.
The Iowa State Connection
As expected, Campbell is bringing the architects of his previous offense to State College:
- Taylor Mouser (Offensive Coordinator/TEs): Campbell’s right-hand man for a decade calls the plays.
- Ryan Clanton (Offensive Line): Renowned for developing tough, physical lines, Clanton’s arrival was crucial in retaining players like Cooper Cousins.
- Deon Broomfield (Secondary): Takes over a defensive backfield that needs retooling after A.J. Harris’s departure.
Major Retention: Terry Smith Stays
In a move widely celebrated by the locker room and alumni base, Terry Smith has been retained as Associate Head Coach. Smith, who led the team to a 4-0 finish and a Pinstripe Bowl victory as interim coach, provides invaluable continuity and recruiting ties.
Justin Lustig also remains as Special Teams Coordinator, rewarding a unit that performed well throughout 2025.
New Defensive Leader
Reports confirm that D’Anton Lynn is set to join the staff as Defensive Coordinator. Lynn, a rising star in the coaching ranks, will be tasked with maintaining Penn State’s defensive standard while integrating Campbell’s culture.
With the staff largely in place, the focus now shifts entirely to the transfer portal, which opens tomorrow.