USC fires defensive coordinator Alex Grinch with 2 games left in regular season
1 year, 1 month ago

USC fires defensive coordinator Alex Grinch with 2 games left in regular season

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! LOS ANGELES — Southern California fired defensive coordinator Alex Grinch on Sunday with two games left in the Trojans’ disappointing regular season. Defensive line coach Shaun Nua and inside linebackers Coach Brian Odom will serve as USC’s co-defensive coordinators for the remainder of the season, which includes games against Oregon and UCLA before a bowl game. The Trojans have fallen to 119th out of the 130 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision this season with 436.9 yards per game allowed, and they’re ranked 121st with 34.5 points per game allowed. Grinch’s first USC defense also struggled, particularly down the stretch while the Trojans lost their final two games.

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History of this topic

Lincoln Riley attributes departures to USC’s pro-style formula dictating NIL offers
4 days, 23 hours ago

Lincoln Riley attributes departures to USC’s pro-style formula dictating NIL offers

LA Times  

After nine days of chaos and uncertainty, during which 19 of his players left USC for the transfer portal, Lincoln Riley found himself longing Wednesday for a time, not so long ago, when the process of building a college football team was less opaque, teams were equally allotted 85 scholarships, relationships were forged in living rooms and decisions were made …

UCF inquires about USC coach Lincoln Riley: Sources
2 weeks, 5 days ago

UCF inquires about USC coach Lincoln Riley: Sources

New York Times  

By Bruce Feldman, Antonio Morales and Ralph Russo UCF has inquired about the availability of USC coach Lincoln Riley as it searches for a replacement for Gus Malzahn, three people who have been privy to those conversations told The Athletic on Wednesday. Firing Riley, whose win total with the Trojans has decreased in each of his three seasons, would cost …

USC linebackers coach Matt Entz takes Fresno State head coaching job
2 weeks, 5 days ago

USC linebackers coach Matt Entz takes Fresno State head coaching job

LA Times  

When Matt Entz took the job as USC’s linebackers coach last January, leaving behind a head coaching job at North Dakota State, he was transparent about his intentions. USC defensive line coach Shaun Nua, defensive line coach Eric Henderson, linebackers coach Matt Entz, secondary coach Doug Belk and defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn look on from the sideline during the spring …

Lincoln Riley’s old colleague is out to beat him: What to watch in USC vs. Nebraska
1 month, 1 week ago

Lincoln Riley’s old colleague is out to beat him: What to watch in USC vs. Nebraska

LA Times  

The two coaches spent enough hours together, tossing around Air Raid ideas on the same Texas Tech staff from 2004 to 2007, to understand each other’s tendencies at a pretty deep level. But after all those years and all the games their teams have played since, Lincoln Riley is less sure than ever what to expect from Dana Holgorsen on …

Alex Grinch returns to the Coliseum a year after his firing when No. 13 USC hosts Wisconsin
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Alex Grinch returns to the Coliseum a year after his firing when No. 13 USC hosts Wisconsin

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! “It will certainly be unique, being on opposite sidelines, with all the good times and great memories that we had together, all the years working together.” USC’s defense under new coordinator D’Anton Lynn has been largely outstanding through three games in a complete turnaround from Grinch’s …

Lincoln Riley has a new outlook as USC opens spring practice
9 months ago

Lincoln Riley has a new outlook as USC opens spring practice

LA Times  

He’s the quarterback whisperer. “I’m further ahead than the players on it, but I’m learning it for the first time, kind of like they are in a way,” Riley said. “So to be able to be there, to be engaged, to be able to have those conversations with our players, it helps me in my conversations with our defensive staff …

New Wisconsin assistant Alex Grinch says disappointing stint at USC gives him chip on his shoulder
10 months, 2 weeks ago

New Wisconsin assistant Alex Grinch says disappointing stint at USC gives him chip on his shoulder

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! MADISON, Wis. — Alex Grinch says his disappointing tenure as Southern California’s defensive coordinator the last two seasons has given him even more incentive as he begins his new job as Wisconsin’s safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator. Grinch was fired at USC with two games left …

Wisconsin hires former USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch as safeties coach
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Wisconsin hires former USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch as safeties coach

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! MADISON, Wis. — Former Southern California defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has resurfaced at Wisconsin as the Badgers’ new safeties coach. “I’m thankful to have the opportunity to add Alex to our staff,” Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell said Thursday in a statement announcing the hire. “Alex has …

USC hires longtime Rams defensive line coach Eric Henderson as co-defensive coordinator
11 months, 1 week ago

USC hires longtime Rams defensive line coach Eric Henderson as co-defensive coordinator

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! LOS ANGELES — Defensive line coach Eric Henderson is leaving the Los Angeles Rams to join Lincoln Riley’s staff at Southern California as the co-defensive coordinator. Henderson also will be the Trojans’ defensive line coach and run game coordinator under new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, the …

USC football recruiting reset: 7 thoughts on the Trojans entering early signing period
1 year ago

USC football recruiting reset: 7 thoughts on the Trojans entering early signing period

New York Times  

LOS ANGELES — Lincoln Riley is less than 24 hours from putting the finishing touches on his second full recruiting class at USC. There are still some promising pieces, but USC needs to land more elite linemen if it wants to make noise nationally, which is something we’ve been saying for five years and two different coaching staffs. There’s no …

USC hires D’Anton Lynn away from archrival UCLA to be its new defensive coordinator
1 year ago

USC hires D’Anton Lynn away from archrival UCLA to be its new defensive coordinator

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! LOS ANGELES — Southern California has hired D’Anton Lynn away from archrival UCLA to be Lincoln Riley’s defensive coordinator. Riley announced his choice Friday night to replace Alex Grinch, who was fired last month with two games left in USC’s disappointing 7-5 regular season. He has …

Crosstown move: USC hires UCLA’s D’Anton Lynn as its defensive coordinator
1 year ago

Crosstown move: USC hires UCLA’s D’Anton Lynn as its defensive coordinator

LA Times  

UCLA defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn talks with linebacker Choe Bryant-Strother during the Bruins’ win over USC at the Coliseum on Nov. 18. Lincoln Riley got a firsthand look at what D’Anton Lynn could do when UCLA, under its first-year defensive coordinator, held USC to three rushing yards in the Trojans’ 38-20 loss to the Bruins on Nov. 18. Led by …

USC football mailbag: Examining the coordinator search, staff makeup and offensive issues
1 year ago

USC football mailbag: Examining the coordinator search, staff makeup and offensive issues

New York Times  

LOS ANGELES — USC is in the middle of a search for its next defensive coordinator, its bowl destination will be officially revealed on Sunday and the early signing period is weeks away. I feel like I’ve said this since the 2021 season ended, and I’ve been proven wrong 12 months later every time so maybe I should stop, but …

From Monte Kiffin to Alex Grinch: How USC’s defense lost its way over 15 years
1 year, 1 month ago

From Monte Kiffin to Alex Grinch: How USC’s defense lost its way over 15 years

New York Times  

LOS ANGELES — Though 14 years have passed since that Halloween night in Eugene, Ore., former USC defensive coordinator Rocky Seto still recalls Oregon’s tempo, Jeremiah Masoli at quarterback and the intense atmosphere in the crowd. “They’re out of their gaps,” said one Pac-12 assistant who has faced USC’s defense over the past two years. They don’t know how to …

USC’s lack of progress on defense compelled Lincoln Riley to fire coordinator Alex Grinch
1 year, 1 month ago

USC’s lack of progress on defense compelled Lincoln Riley to fire coordinator Alex Grinch

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! LOS ANGELES — Lincoln Riley said he hadn’t seen much progress or improvement from Southern California’s defense since the previous November, and that’s why he finally decided to fire coordinator Alex Grinch. “We simply weren’t making the progress that we all expected we would make,” Riley …

After firing Alex Grinch, Lincoln Riley promises USC will have a defensive revival
1 year, 1 month ago

After firing Alex Grinch, Lincoln Riley promises USC will have a defensive revival

LA Times  

USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, left, and head coach Lincoln Riley watch from the sideline during a 52-42 loss to Washington on Saturday at the Coliseum. After weeks of unwavering support for Grinch, Riley reversed course by firing the coordinator Sunday, less than 24 hours after USC’s 52-42 loss to Washington at the Coliseum. We’ll continue to take the steps …

After nearly two seasons of struggles, USC fires defensive coordinator Alex Grinch
1 year, 1 month ago

After nearly two seasons of struggles, USC fires defensive coordinator Alex Grinch

LA Times  

USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch yells at the defense during a 52-42 loss to Washington at the Coliseum on Saturday night. After two seasons of disappointment and amid soaring frustration with its struggling defense, USC fired Alex Grinch as its defensive coordinator Sunday. USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch walks back to the locker room before Saturday’s 52-42 loss to Washington …

Fired too late, Alex Grinch’s last stand ends USC’s season
1 year, 1 month ago

Fired too late, Alex Grinch’s last stand ends USC’s season

LA Times  

USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch yells at the defense after it gave up a Washington touchdown on third and 18 during the Trojans’ 52-42 loss Saturday at the Coliseum. USC quarterback Caleb Williams and coach Lincoln Riley make their way to the field at the Coliseum before Saturday’s loss to Washington. “I understand the question, I know it’s y’all’s question …

Commentary: Lincoln Riley is on the verge of losing USC fans’ devotion by keeping Alex Grinch
1 year, 1 month ago

Commentary: Lincoln Riley is on the verge of losing USC fans’ devotion by keeping Alex Grinch

LA Times  

USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch jogs on the field before a loss to Utah at the Coliseum on Oct. 21. USC coach Lincoln Riley continues to sidestep questions and redirect when it comes to Grinch’s status amid the Trojans’ ongoing defensive woes. Just a guess: This fan jumped to support Riley’s decision to suspend the Southern California News Group’s USC …

Another inconsistent defense threatens to ground No. 9 USC’s loftiest ambitions
1 year, 2 months ago

Another inconsistent defense threatens to ground No. 9 USC’s loftiest ambitions

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! That’s because the college football world knows USC’s defense has been leaky and inconsistent again under second-year head coach Lincoln Riley and his longtime defensive coordinator, Alex Grinch. Despite another year of talent additions and familiarity with the scheme, the Trojans are still struggling to stop …

Letters to Sports: The Grinch that stole USC’s defense
1 year, 3 months ago

Letters to Sports: The Grinch that stole USC’s defense

LA Times  

It’s very admirable to have loyalty to a friend or colleague, but it should go both ways. If coach Alex Grinch has any loyalty to Lincoln Riley, he should quit immediately or step aside and let a real coach with experience help his friend put together a great defensive squad for the Trojans. Kip Dellinger Santa Monica :: As usual, …

Alex Grinch says USC’s defense against San José State ‘tilted in the positive direction’
1 year, 3 months ago

Alex Grinch says USC’s defense against San José State ‘tilted in the positive direction’

LA Times  

San José State quarterback Chevan Cordeiro is chased by USC linebacker Mason Cobb as he leaves the pocket at the Coliseum on Saturday. “It’s almost likened to a basketball coach, where you kind of feel like you got the open shot but you didn’t make it,” Grinch said. “You didn’t feel his presence as much in the stat sheet,” Riley …

‘The message is being delivered.’ Alex Grinch knows USC’s defense must improve
1 year, 4 months ago

‘The message is being delivered.’ Alex Grinch knows USC’s defense must improve

LA Times  

USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, holding football, and defensive passing game coordinator Donte Williams instruct players during a workout at Dedeaux Field on the USC campus on Friday. But after his USC defense’s especially dismal finish last fall — and questions looming about his future as defensive coordinator — Grinch’s usual offseason deep dive went deeper than ever. That’s something …

Alex Grinch says USC can’t rush defensive overhaul. ‘You can’t microwave it’
1 year, 9 months ago

Alex Grinch says USC can’t rush defensive overhaul. ‘You can’t microwave it’

LA Times  

When Alex Grinch sat down to process the disastrous end to his debut season as USC’s defensive coordinator, he started with the worst of the worst. “That’s the appropriate thing to do.” In the wake of USC’s embarrassing bowl loss, frustrated fans pleaded for Lincoln Riley to cut Grinch loose. Asked about his process for fixing the defense, the oft-analytical …

Michigan fires co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss
1 year, 11 months ago

Michigan fires co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss

Associated Press  

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan fired co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss on Friday amid an investigation by campus police into possible computer-access crimes at the football building. Athletic Director Warde Manuel said Weiss, who also served as quarterbacks coach, was dismissed “after a review of university policies.” The two-sentence statement didn’t elaborate. “I look forward to putting this matter behind me …

USC coach Lincoln Riley defends keeping Alex Grinch and outlines plans for Year 2
1 year, 11 months ago

USC coach Lincoln Riley defends keeping Alex Grinch and outlines plans for Year 2

LA Times  

When Lincoln Riley first hired Alex Grinch to direct his defense at Oklahoma, the coach expected it would take time before expectations matched reality. Compelling enough to keep Riley’s confidence at USC, where Grinch’s debut as his defensive coordinator went nowhere near as well, concluding with a Cotton Bowl collapse and subsequent calls for Grinch’s ouster. But any doubts about …

USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch won’t sugarcoat defense’s struggles
1 year, 11 months ago

USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch won’t sugarcoat defense’s struggles

LA Times  

Alex Grinch isn’t the kind to sugarcoat. “ doesn’t always look the way you want it to look.” It certainly didn’t this season at USC, where the Trojans defense seemed to take one step forward one week only to take two steps back the next. “If you call yourself a good coach, you have to believe in the things you’re …

USC eager to atone for defensive lapses with a stingy Cotton Bowl performance
2 years ago

USC eager to atone for defensive lapses with a stingy Cotton Bowl performance

LA Times  

Three weeks later, it all still haunts Alex Grinch. So it’s really disappointing and sometimes you gotta lose a game to maybe land the message but man, championship ball games, you don’t get a lot of those opportunities.” The Trojans get a chance to atone for their defensive sins by finishing their season on a positive note against Tulane in …

With Bill McGovern possibly out again, how will UCLA’s defense rise against USC?
2 years, 1 month ago

With Bill McGovern possibly out again, how will UCLA’s defense rise against USC?

LA Times  

Arizona’s Jayden de Laura throws a touchdown pass beyond the reach of UCLA defensive lineman Jacob Sykes. Bill McGovern with the New York Giants in 2019 After missing the Bruins’ game against Stanford on Oct. 29, McGovern returned to practice the following week but was absent for the game at Arizona State. “For those guys to all work together without …

Lincoln Riley’s Oklahoma-imported D-coordinator is a barking grenade of intensity
2 years, 3 months ago

Lincoln Riley’s Oklahoma-imported D-coordinator is a barking grenade of intensity

LA Times  

USC coach Lincoln Riley, left, talks with defensive coordinator Alex Grinch during practice in March. “I think anyone can draw lines on a board and call themselves a coach.” On this subject, USC’s new defensive coordinator is particularly blunt. “He’s in it.” Indeed, Grinch is a loose grenade of pure intensity during practice, buzzing back and forth across the field, …

Ohio State hires UCLA’s Justin Frye to become its offensive line coach
2 years, 11 months ago

Ohio State hires UCLA’s Justin Frye to become its offensive line coach

LA Times  

Justin Frye, UCLA’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, has agreed to become Ohio State’s offensive line coach and associate head coach for offense in a move that helps him return closer to his Midwestern roots. His departure will deprive UCLA of one of its top assistants, Frye developing the team’s offensive line into a considerable strength in recent seasons …

Lincoln Riley’s first USC coaching staff: Who’s on it and what are their duties?
2 years, 11 months ago

Lincoln Riley’s first USC coaching staff: Who’s on it and what are their duties?

LA Times  

USC coach Lincoln Riley speaks during his introductory news conference at the Coliseum in November. After two years as USC’s cornerbacks coach — the last of which he also spent as associate head coach — Williams will continue to coach defensive backs on Riley’s staff. They recognize the tradition and expectations of this program and are eager to get to …

Lincoln Riley effect: Five players and one coach announce they’re leaving USC
3 years ago

Lincoln Riley effect: Five players and one coach announce they’re leaving USC

LA Times  

USC defensive tackle Jacob Lichtenstein wraps up Oregon State running back B.J. Edge rushers Hunter Echols and Juliano Falaniko, defensive tackle Jake Lichtenstein and kicker Alex Stadthaus all entered the NCAA transfer portal on Monday, while offensive tackle Jalen McKenzie announced he would forgo an extra season of eligibility to enter the NFL draft. Defensive line coach Vic So’oto also …

USC hires coach Lincoln Riley away from Oklahoma
3 years ago

USC hires coach Lincoln Riley away from Oklahoma

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! USC hired Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley on Sunday in a stunning and rare move of one traditional college football powerhouse swiping another’s highly accomplished coach. Riley went 55-10 in five seasons leading the Sooners, winning four Big 12 titles and making three College Football Playoff appearances in …

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