Penn State is expected to make a significant addition to its defensive staff, as former UCLA defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe is slated to join the Nittany Lions as defensive line coach and run game coordinator, according to 247Sports.
Malloe’s arrival reunites him with defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, with whom he worked during the 2023 season at UCLA. That season proved to be one of the most impactful defensive campaigns in recent college football, as Lynn’s unit earned a top-10 overall defensive grade of 92.9 from Pro Football Focus and tied Penn State for the nation’s best pass-rush grade at 91.5.
Malloe first joined UCLA ahead of the 2021 Holiday Bowl, prior to its cancellation, as an analyst before transitioning into a full-time coaching role. His responsibilities steadily increased, and he was named interim defensive coordinator for the Bruins’ final game of the 2023 season, a victory over Boise State in the LA Bowl, following Lynn’s departure to USC. Chip Kelly later promoted Malloe to full-time defensive coordinator on January 3, 2024.
Despite Kelly leaving UCLA to become Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, Malloe was retained by new head coach DeShaun Foster for the 2024 season. However, after Foster was dismissed following an 0–3 start in 2025, Malloe and UCLA mutually agreed to part ways, according to interim head coach Tim Skipper.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Malloe’s proven ability to develop elite defensive fronts was on full display at UCLA, where his work alongside Lynn helped propel edge rusher Laiatu Latu into becoming the first defensive player selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
For Penn State, Malloe’s expected hire represents continuity, experience, and a clear emphasis on dominating the line of scrimmage as Matt Campbell and Lynn continue to reshape the program’s defensive identity.
