UCLA Football: Columnist Believes Bruins Must Act Now To Retain Critical Staffer

UCLA must act quickly to make this happen.

One of the brightest parts of the success that your 4-1 UCLA Bruins football team has seen this season has been the emergence of their defense. The defense has given UCLA a legitimate chance to win the Pac-12 this year, and it may be one of the best in the country.

They made the Washington State Cougars' high-powered passing attack look average this past weekend, and it was a statement game for this team. Now moving forward, teams understand that the Bruins won’t be pushed around on defense, and they are a very scary team.

J. Brady McCollough of The LA Times is calling for the Bruins to not wait, and make sure that defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn doesn't go anywhere. With the performance that the defense has been putting up, Lynn could be a prime head coaching target this offseason.

“Jarmond should not be shy about spending it to sweeten Lynn’s deal and retain the rest of Kelly’s defensive assistants. For the first time since Kelly’s arrival in Westwood, it feels like the Bruins are building a sustainable model for success. Pay Lynn now. UCLA can worry about paying the Berkeley tax later.”

Per J. Brady McCollough of The LA Times

Making sure that Lynn, whom UCLA swiped from the NFL's Baltimore Ravens for $1 million this summer, stays put, at least for another year, could prove to be worth the Bruins while. They need to start building some foundation within their program, and he has helped them start to do so.

This defense has been the lifeblood of this team this season, and it could help take them far. They are a very sneaky team in the Pac-12, and after their win against Washington State, they could end up winning the conference if all goes well.

“After just eight months directing what has routinely been one of the country’s most dysfunctional units, Lynn has transformed UCLA into one of the top defenses in the country.”

Per J. Brady McCollough of The LA Times

The Bruins must do whatever they can to keep Lynn with their program, and that starts with showing him the dollar sign. It’s a move to benefit both the short-term and long-term success of this program, especially as they head to the Big 10 next year.

Don't forget to join our community at LA Sports Report, where we celebrate all things Bruins!