USC hires Alex Grinch as new defensive coordinator

Former Oklahoma Sooners defensive coordinator joins Lincoln Riley in Los Angeles

Grinch brings a wealth of experience to the Trojans, including a stint as Ohio State's co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach

The USC Trojans have hired Alex Grinch as their new defensive coordinator, the school announced on Monday. Grinch, 43, spent the past three seasons as the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma, where he helped the Sooners to three Big 12 championships and a berth in the College Football Playoff in 2019.

Prior to his time at Oklahoma, Grinch spent two seasons as the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Ohio State. He also served as the defensive coordinator at Washington State from 2015 to 2017.

Grinch is known for his aggressive defensive schemes, which have helped his teams to rank among the nation's best in several statistical categories. In 2021, Oklahoma led the nation in interceptions (21) and turnovers forced (30). The Sooners also ranked second in the country in total defense (283.3 yards per game) and scoring defense (15.9 points per game).

• Grinch's defenses have consistently ranked among the nation's best in several statistical categories.
• In 2021, Oklahoma led the nation in interceptions (21) and turnovers forced (30).
• The Sooners also ranked second in the country in total defense (283.3 yards per game) and scoring defense (15.9 points per game).

Grinch's hire is a major coup for USC, which has struggled defensively in recent years. The Trojans ranked 10th in the Pac-12 in total defense in 2021, allowing 401.2 yards per game. They also ranked 11th in the conference in scoring defense, allowing 28.9 points per game.

Grinch is expected to bring a much-needed boost to USC's defense. He is known for his ability to develop and motivate players, and he is expected to help the Trojans improve their performance on that side of the ball.

The Trojans will open their 2022 season on September 3 against Rice. They will face their first major test of the season on September 17 when they travel to Baton Rouge to take on the LSU Tigers.