USC Fires Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch After Defensive Struggles
USC's defensive coordinator, Alex Grinch, has been relieved of his duties following a series of poor defensive performances, including a 52-42 loss to Washington Huskies.
In a long-anticipated move, USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has been let go from his position after yet another dismal defensive showing in a 52-42 loss to the Washington Huskies. The Trojans dropped their third game of the season in a high-scoring battle, and it appears that Head Coach Lincoln Riley could no longer ignore the mounting issues with the defense.
Key Takeaways:
- USC’s defense had been under scrutiny for several weeks due to poor performance.
- Former USC standout safety Su’a Cravens expressed concerns about the defensive schemes on social media.
- Grinch’s departure comes as the Trojans are no longer in contention for the Pac-12 title or the College Football Playoff.
Grinch’s tenure had been marked by consistent underperformance on the defensive side of the ball, and many fans had been calling for his dismissal for some time. The Trojans’ defense had been progressively deteriorating with each passing week, leading to former players questioning the defensive strategies being employed.
I played defense a long time. My entire career. I’ve played in almost every defensive scheme or system you can come up with at 3 different positions D1 & Pro… There have been times tonight I’m absolutely lost on some of the coverages and gap responsibilities of these players 😵💫 https://t.co/FWCJyY8UHi
— Su’a (@iammsuzy) November 5, 2023
One notable critic was former USC standout safety Su’a Cravens, who took to social media to express his dismay at the state of the USC defense. Cravens remarked that he had never witnessed some of the coverages that were being utilized and found it shocking. This public criticism shed light on the dysfunction that had plagued the USC defense in recent weeks.
The decision to part ways with Grinch may have come later than some had hoped, as the Trojans’ hopes of a successful season began to fade. Grinch had frequently placed players in positions that did not suit their strengths, ultimately damaging the team’s chances of making it to the College Football Playoff.
With Grinch’s departure, USC will look to regroup and improve their defensive performance in the remaining games of the season, starting with a challenging matchup against the Oregon Ducks. The Trojans will need to be well-prepared as they face a formidable opponent on the road, and fans will be eager to see if the change in defensive leadership can make a difference in their performance.
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