USC Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch Fired Due to Lack of Improvement; Search for Replacement Begins

Despite back-to-back losses and poor game statistics, USC still hopes for a strong season finish; Coordinators Shaun Nua and Brian Odom to cover in interim as fast-approaching recruiting season could pressure the search for a replacement.

USC's Head Coach Lincoln Riley cited lack of improvement in the defense under Alex Grinch for his decision to fire him. USC's defense has been performing poorly, allowing 42.0 points and 483.7 yards per game over the past six contests.
Despite the poor defensive performances, which include USC ranking 119th out of 130 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision in yards allowed, Riley remains hopeful for a strong season finish. The Trojans still have a shot at the Pac-12 title if they can defeat the Ducks and the UCLA Bruins.
Alex Grinch worked with Lincoln Riley since 2019 at Oklahoma, before moving to USC. The decision to fire Grinch was difficult for Riley due to their personal relationship, however he deemed it a necessary action at this point.
In the wake of Grinch's firing, defensive line coach Shaun Nua and inside linebackers coach Brian Odom have been appointed as co-coordinators for the rest of the season. Riley has not disclosed who will call USC's defensive signals.
The upcoming recruiting season will likely pressure the search for a new defensive coordinator. Despite the urgency of finding a replacement before the transfer portal opens on December 4 and the early signing period starts on December 20, Riley emphasized that recruiting the right person takes precedence.