In a decisive move, USC has decided to part ways with defensive coordinator Alex Grinch following recent defensive struggles. USC head coach Lincoln Riley made the announcement after USC surrendered a total of 101 points in the past two games. Grinch, who had previously served as Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator from 2019 to 2021, joined USC alongside Riley but faced mounting challenges with the Trojans’ defense.
Defensive Woes
The USC defense struggled throughout the season, allowing an average of 34.5 points per game. The unit faced challenges across various statistical categories, ranking 120th in rushing defense and 107th against the pass. These struggles, compounded by the team’s performance in the previous season, led to growing criticism of Grinch’s leadership.
In the 2022 season, USC finished as the 87th-ranked team in defensive SP+, highlighting the need for improvement. Despite the addition of talent through the transfer portal, the defense’s performance did not meet the expectations set by USC and head coach Lincoln Riley.
A Difficult Decision
Coach Riley had previously shown support for Grinch’s efforts, but following USC’s recent 52-42 loss to Washington, where the defense allowed 572 yards of offense, a pivotal decision was made. The USC head coach acknowledged his overall responsibility but chose to address the matter at an appropriate time.
The decision to relieve Grinch of his duties was made swiftly, signaling the program’s commitment to address its defensive woes promptly. USC, after suffering its second conference loss of the year, now faces an uphill battle to contend for the Pac-12 title.
The Road Ahead
USC will face the Oregon Ducks next week, and the coaching staff will need to address the defensive challenges that have plagued the team in recent seasons. The program’s move to the Big Ten next season adds urgency to the need for defensive improvements, ensuring that USC’s top-five offense is not wasted in the years to come.
While Alex Grinch was a central figure in USC’s defensive struggles, the program aims to move forward with a renewed focus on shoring up their defensive performance for a more promising future.
Stay tuned for more updates on USC football and their journey to overcome defensive challenges.
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