National media reaction to Alex Grinch firing and USC’s new defensive coordinator search
When a big firing occurs on a coaching staff at a high-profile college football program, a lot of different things happen. One thing which happens is that national college football commentators and analysts lay out their lists of candidates for the job. We did this a few weeks ago, knowing that Alex Grinch was going to be fired. He hadn’t been fired yet, but his fate was sealed.
Now the job search is officially on. USC has fired Grinch, which tells everyone across the country that the defensive coordinator position is officially open. Jen Cohen and Lincoln Riley will collaborate in making this decision, trying to get Riley’s preferred choice but with Cohen’s approval. We remind you that the very best options might say no, which means Cohen has to be ready to land the No. 2 or No. 3 choices if needed. Calls to agents and then job interviews will be lined up in the coming weeks. It’s that time again.
Here is what national commentators and experts are saying about the USC defensive coordinator job:
LOCAL ANGLE
USC wasted what could have been a great season by bringing back Alex Grinch as defensive coordinator. USC gave up over 45 points and 530 yards to Utah and Tulane to end last season. It was clear he had to go to everyone but Lincoln Riley. Firing him now is too little too late.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) November 5, 2023
TRUE
USC coach Lincoln Riley has fired defensive coordinator Alex Grinch.
Unfortunately, it’s too late for the Trojans to avoid wasting what likely will be Caleb Williams’ final college season.
But perhaps they can get a glimpse of the way forward.https://t.co/PgrZ57jrZt pic.twitter.com/hbeJQDtCmB
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) November 5, 2023
FELDMAN'S LIST
Lincoln Riley has a huge DC hire to make this winter. Could Jim Leonhard be in play? Tony White? Tim DeRuyter? Tony Gibson? Here’s some candidates we think may be in the mix for the USC defensive coordinator vacancy: https://t.co/5Fj4BII8Yrhttps://t.co/5Fj4BII8Yr
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) November 6, 2023
LOL
USC should target an outstanding defensive mind with DC as their career ceiling
I can think of one coach that fits this criteria: pic.twitter.com/BFVUJI2oEr
— Arrogant Nation✌🏻 (@FightOnRusty) November 6, 2023
RECRUITS REACT
Recruits react to #USC firing DC Alex Grinch
➡️ https://t.co/siQR9PkEDP via @On3USC #FightOn✌🏼 pic.twitter.com/qnrSmexoSW
— Scott Schrader (@Scott_Schrader) November 5, 2023
QUOTES
Recruits react to #USC firing DC Alex Grinch❕✌🏼
➡️ https://t.co/siQR9PkEDP via @On3USC #FightOn pic.twitter.com/GO31OBaRvJ
— Scott Schrader (@Scott_Schrader) November 5, 2023
GOTTA GET IT RIGHT
We officially ripped the band-aid off named Alex Grinch.
USC needs to make a HR hire for a DC, and it needs to be done rather quickly to try to build some momentum on the defensive recruiting.
USC could do this with Jim Leonhard since he has no contractual obligation to stick… pic.twitter.com/YRToEuRSnc— Eddie O (@SquadNation619) November 6, 2023
LEONHARD, WITH AN H
After doing about 6 Minutes of research on Jim Leonard
I AM SOLD on him as USC’s next DC
Throw that man the bag
— JIM LEONARD FOR DC (@SamoanWoj) November 6, 2023
DUCKS WIRE EDITOR
It's a sad day in Eugene. I think USC fans are the only people out west who are happy to see Alex Grinch get the boot. https://t.co/wVJqyqIp8Z
— Zachary Neel (@zacharycneel) November 5, 2023
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
File under SPECULATION.
Mississippi State HC Zach Arnett has a contract that would make it pretty easy for MSU and its new AD to make a change.
If Arnett is a free agent, have to think that's a candidate for USC DC.— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) November 5, 2023
OUR TOP FOUR, IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE
1) JIM LEONHARD
2) TOM ALLEN
3) JON HEACOCK
4) TONY GIBSONThey might not say yes, but the Trojans have to give their agents a call.
TIME TO GET A REAL DC! https://t.co/Bxoyhlo0OH#USC
— USC Trojans Wire (@TrojansWire) November 5, 2023
USC RIVALS SITE WEIGHS IN
Our initial list of 10 candidates that #USC should consider for defensive coordinator, including maybe a couple surprises⬇️https://t.co/Ri7lEb54Kz
Not subscribed? We're offering a 30-day FREE TRIAL for new subscribers. Use code NEWUSCDC and this link⬇️https://t.co/Ri7lEb54Kz pic.twitter.com/3lCqjJoOnB
— TrojanSports.com (@USC_Rivals) November 6, 2023
SPELL HIS NAME CORRECTLY!
DAY 1 OF ASKING Jennifer Cohen and @LincolnRiley to hire Jim Leonhard as Defensive Coordinator at USC
✅
— JIM LEONARD FOR DC (@SamoanWoj) November 6, 2023
PEOPLE ARE WONDERING
Jim Leonhard to USC? pic.twitter.com/98frbMXjrx
— CFBLIVE247 (@CFBLive247_) November 5, 2023
NOT NECESSARILY
USC FANS
IF JIM LEONHARD IS A DEFENSIVE ANALYST AT ILLINOIS
EASY PICKINGS 😂😂😂
— EL CHICANO (@ELChicanoUSC) November 5, 2023
WE WILL SEE
Congrats to new USC defensive coordinator, Jim Leonhard https://t.co/SSOSpzsrNQ
— Wisconsin Homer (@wisconsintakes) November 5, 2023
ANALYSIS
ICYMI, I made a video breaking down my number one candidate for the DC spot, Jim Leonhard. Learn about his philosophy, scheme and experience ⬇️
Why USC Must Hire Jim Leonhard https://t.co/4DFxSKeanI via @YouTube— The Trojan Blade (@TheTrojanBlade) November 5, 2023
ARIZONA FANS REACT
Usc yes hire Jim Leonhard stay away from Coach Nansen! Thx
— Mario Mes/A (@Zona2105) November 6, 2023
TIMING!
Oregon fans seeing Alex Grinch get fired right before they play USC pic.twitter.com/kueiQDrfYt
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) November 5, 2023
LIFE-CHANGING
Lincoln Riley after firing Alex Grinch pic.twitter.com/LJjzA7D4gZ
— Pregame Empire (@PregameEmpire) November 5, 2023
MIKE FARRELL
Grinch's Firing Does Not Absolve Riley @TrojansWire @SSN_USC @MattLeinartQB @SuperWestSports https://t.co/zgQjRzbQdF
— Mike Farrell (@mfarrellsports) November 6, 2023
