USC Coach Lincoln Riley Dismisses Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch After Loss to Washington
On Sunday, USC coach Lincoln Riley made the move that Trojans fans had been calling for all season. After falling 52-42 to Washington, the team’s third loss in the past four games, Riley dismissed defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. The Trojans defense has struggled greatly under Riley’s leadership, with poor tackling and coverage busts being persistent issues. USC currently ranks No. 109 in yards per play allowed, No. 126 in red zone defense, and No. 132 in plays of 20-plus yards allowed. Over the past six games, the defense has allowed an average of 42 points per game.
Prior to his tenure at USC, Grinch had shown promise as the defensive coordinator at Washington State, where he made significant improvements to the team’s defense. However, his work at Oklahoma, where Riley hired him to fix the Sooners’ defense, did not result in an elite group. It should be noted that being an Air Raid defensive coordinator comes with its own set of challenges, as we previously detailed. Many top statistical defenses in the country are found in Big Ten programs with underwhelming offenses, like Iowa.
Potential Candidates for USC’s Next Defensive Coordinator
Considering the need for a new defensive coordinator at USC, several names have been brought up as potential candidates:
Jim Leonhard, Illinois, senior defensive analyst
The biggest name that USC could target is Jim Leonhard, a coach who is not currently working as a defensive coordinator this year. Leonhard had an impressive track record running the defense at his alma mater, Wisconsin, where he consistently produced top-ranked defenses. However, he is currently part of Bret Bielema’s staff at Illinois. If Riley could persuade Leonhard to join USC, it would be a home-run hire, although he would be working with a very different offensive system.
D’Anton Lynn, UCLA, defensive coordinator
Another option that Riley may consider is D’Anton Lynn, the 33-year-old defensive coordinator at UCLA. Lynn has transformed a defense that ranked No. 72 last year into the ninth-ranked defense in the nation. UCLA leads the Pac-12 in run defense, sacks, and red zone touchdown defense. They have also allowed the fewest plays of 20-plus yards in the Pac-12, significantly less than USC. While it remains unknown if Lynn would make the move, his stock has risen since joining UCLA.
Tony White, Nebraska, defensive coordinator
Tony White, a former UCLA linebacker, is another potential candidate for the defensive coordinator position at USC. White has had a strong first season at Nebraska, improving the team’s run defense and red zone touchdown percentage defense. He has also demonstrated his coaching abilities at Syracuse and Arizona State. Considering his experience in the Pac-12, White would be a viable option for USC.
Tony Gibson, NC State, defensive coordinator
Tony Gibson is a seasoned defensive coordinator who has extensive knowledge of Air Raid offenses from his time working for Dana Holgorsen. He has achieved impressive results at NC State, with the defense ranking highly in third-down defense, interceptions, and yards per play allowed. Gibson has consistently proven to be one of the best in the business and could be a strong addition to USC’s coaching staff.
Tim DeRuyter, Texas Tech, defensive coordinator
Tim DeRuyter, a Southern California native, is familiar with the Pac-12 from his previous coaching stints at Oregon and Cal. In his debut season at Texas Tech, DeRuyter has improved the team’s defensive performance, particularly in points allowed per game. His experience and familiarity with the Pac-12 make him a viable candidate for USC.
Joe Rossi, Minnesota, defensive coordinator
Joe Rossi has made significant improvements to the Gophers’ defense since taking over as defensive coordinator. Under his leadership, the defense has consistently ranked in the top 10 in the past two years. Rossi’s ability to limit big plays and force turnovers could make him an attractive option for USC.
Joe Harasymiak, Rutgers, defensive coordinator
Harasymiak has played a key role in the defensive resurgence at Rutgers this season. The team currently ranks No. 10 in total defense and No. 2 in plays of 20 yards or more allowed. With his success as a head coach at Maine and as an assistant at Minnesota, Harasymiak could be a strong candidate for the defensive coordinator position at USC.
While there are several viable options, it is unlikely that Morgan Scalley will leave Utah to join USC. Additionally, Zach Arnett, the head coach at Mississippi State, could be a wildcard option for USC.
Overall, USC and Lincoln Riley have several promising candidates to consider for the Trojans’ next defensive coordinator. The hire will be crucial in addressing the team’s defensive woes and elevating the program to new heights.
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