USC fires defensive coordinator Grinch
USC fired defensive coordinator Alex Grinch on Sunday, The Athletic's Antonio Morales reports.
Head coach Lincoln Riley said Monday that he fired Grinch with two regular-season games remaining because USC has "a lot to play for" in the coming weeks.
"We simply weren't making the progress I think we all expected to make," Riley said, according to ESPN's Paolo Uggetti.
Riley also denied a report that two of the program's biggest donors played a role in Grinch's dismissal.
The Trojans have allowed 34.5 points per game this season.
Inside linebackers coach Brian Odom and defensive line coach Shaun Nua will take over as co-interim defensive coordinators, Morales adds.
USC fell 52-42 to Washington on Saturday. The result was the Trojans' third loss in four weeks, with their lone win coming in a 50-49 victory over Cal.
The program's defensive struggles have largely overshadowed Riley's prolific offense. USC is averaging 45.5 points and 486.1 offensive yards per game through 10 contests.
USC fell out of the AP Poll for the first time under Riley this week.
The Trojans' remaining 2023 schedule includes a road trip to Eugene to take on Oregon and a home battle against UCLA.