USC football head coach Lincoln Riley has relieved defensive coordinator Alex Grinch of his duties, according to a team statement released Sunday.
Grinch, who has been tied to Riley dating back to his tenure at Oklahoma, has been criticized by fans and analysts since his time with the Sooners. As of week 10 this season, Grinch had the USC defense ranked 119th in the nation out of 130 eligible teams in total defense before his firing.
The announcement comes after the USC defense gave up more than 500 total yards and 27 first downs to No. 5 Washington, including 256 rushing yards and four touchdowns to Washington junior running back Dillon Johnson.
For the first time in the program’s 134-year history, USC’s defense has given up 34 points or more in six straight games, including 41 points to Colorado and Arizona, 49 points to Cal, and 52 points to No. 5 Washington.
For now, Riley has announced that the Trojans’ defense will be led by defensive line coach Shaun Nua and inside linebackers coach Brian Odom for the remainder of the season. Additionally, defensive analyst Taylor Mays will be elevated to an on-field assistant position and will help coach the safeties.
USC, now unranked in the latest AP Top 25 poll for the first time in the Lincoln Riley era, will play No. 6 Oregon this Saturday in Eugene.