Per multiple reports, the USC Trojans announced Sunday they were parting ways with a coach following a disappointing loss to the Washington Huskies Saturday night.
USC came into the 2023 season with hopes of making the playoffs. The offense, led by Heisman-winning quarterback Caleb Williams, has done enough to give the Trojans a chance. But the defense hasn’t.
According to ESPN, USC head coach Lincoln Riley announced defensive coordinator Alex Grich was fired Sunday.
Breaking: USC Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch is out, Head Coach Lincoln Riley announced. pic.twitter.com/3bRdhkGfBw
— ESPN (@espn) November 5, 2023
Grinch has been Riley’s defensive coordinator since the 2019 season when they were with the Oklahoma Sooners. Grinch joined USC when Riley accepted the head coaching job in 2022.
USC’s defense was supposed to be improved from last season. But they’ve struggled in big games. The Trojans have given up 48, 34, and 52 in losses to Notre Dame, Utah, and Washington this year—the Trojans rank 119th in total defense this season.
Fans react to USC Trojans’ firing a coach midseason
It’s surprising to see Riley make a move like this with two games left to go in the season. The Trojans’ next two games are against Oregon and UCLA, both ranked opponents. College football fans reacted to Grinch’s firing on social media.
USC Defense last game pic.twitter.com/sHlfhenPYk
— GB Football (@GameBlazersFF) November 5, 2023
— Nico (@USC_Nico) November 5, 2023
— B McGary (@McGary15) November 5, 2023
Finally pic.twitter.com/qmbboQZLq9
— Isaiah Jordan (@IsaiahJordan05) November 5, 2023
— JD 🅰️ (@KrazeeHeart) November 5, 2023
🥳❤️💛✌️ pic.twitter.com/hG7RizIjvc
— ╰☆☆ ʲẸ𝓷ᑎ𝕚 ☆☆╮ (@BrowBron_) November 5, 2023
— Kelly J. Sullivan (@kjsully7554) November 5, 2023
A little too late for this season but glad it finally happened.
— Forty Niners Fan (@eolivares1976) November 5, 2023
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