Newly appointed head football coach Matt Campbell is putting the finishing touches on his coaching staff at Penn State, with the anticipated hiring of Ikaika Malloe as the team’s next defensive line coach. Reports from 247Sports’ Brandon Huffman and On3’s Blue-White Illustrated indicate that Malloe, who previously worked at UCLA, is set to join Campbell’s staff.
Malloe will take over the defensive line coaching role previously held by Penn State alumnus Deion Barnes, who has recently moved to South Carolina. This transition marks an exciting new chapter for the Nittany Lions as they look to strengthen their defensive unit.
The addition of Malloe reunites him with D’Anton Lynn, who is expected to be named the Lions’ defensive coordinator. The two coaches collaborated in the 2023 season at UCLA, where Lynn served as the play caller for the Bruins. This familiarity is expected to create a cohesive and effective defensive strategy for Penn State.
Since beginning his coaching career in Los Angeles in 2022, Malloe has held multiple positions, including special teams coordinator, outside linebackers coach, and most recently, defensive coordinator in 2024 and 2025. His coaching prowess was recognized when he was nominated for the Broyles Award in 2024, an accolade given to the best assistant coach in the nation.
A former standout safety at Washington, Malloe boasts an extensive coaching resume with experience at institutions such as Western Illinois, UTEP, Hawaii, Yale, Portland State, and Utah State. Notably, he has coached several players who have advanced to the NFL, including Laiatu Latu of the Indianapolis Colts and Vita Vea of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
As Campbell continues to build his staff, the excitement around the Nittany Lions’ football program is palpable. With seasoned coaches like Malloe and Lynn on board, Penn State fans are hopeful for a strong upcoming season and a revitalized defense that can compete at the highest levels of college football.