USC’s Lincoln Riley takes ownership for Alex Grinch firing, calls it ‘right decision at this time and point’

USC trainer Lincoln Riley made an intensive exchange with two video games left within the Trojans’ common season, firing defensive coordinator Alex Grinch on Sunday after not up to two years with this system. Some consider the transfer got here too past due; Grinch’s defensive unit struggled closing season and persisted its deficient play throughout the convention slate this 12 months. During a media availability Monday, on the other hand, Riley defended the timing of the transfer. 

“If we were in a situation where we didn’t have a whole lot left to play for in terms of a conference championship, I might feel a little bit different,” Riley stated. “But we are very laser focused on these opportunities ahead, and then whatever comes next after that, we’ll deal with it at the appropriate time.”

Grinch’s firing got here at some point got rid of from USC’s 52-42 loss to Washington. UW operating again Dillon Johnson, who had one 100-yard speeding efficiency at the season getting into Saturday’s recreation, ripped the Trojans protection to shreds and logged a career-best efficiency with 26 carries for 256 yards and 4 touchdowns. USC fell to 7-3 at the season and 5-2 in convention play. 

The Trojans allowed a mean of just about 45 issues of their 3 losses. Grinch’s protection allowed 265 issues over the past six video games and best held one workforce (Utah, in a loss) to not up to 40 issues. The Trojans rank 119th in general protection and 121st in scoring protection. 

“I knew it was a decision that was the right decision at this time and point, but certainly didn’t make it easy,” Riley stated. “But I am that committed, and we are all that committed to playing great defense here, and whatever it takes to get that done, that’s what we’re going to do.”

Even with the protection faltering, USC continues to be inside of earshot of the Pac-12 Championship Game. The Trojans are going to want some breaks to fall their method, even though. Washington has a commanding lead with a 6-0 document in convention play and Oregon is not some distance at the back of at 5-1. USC will get a crack at the Ducks this Saturday. A win assists in keeping its hopes alive, whilst a loss gets rid of it from any significant postseason play.