Lincoln Riley, speaking in Los Angeles, expressed disappointment with the lack of defensive improvement at USC since the previous November, leading to his decision to dismiss coordinator Alex Grinch.
Riley, who acknowledged feeling aligned with the frustrations of USC fans, noted the difficulty in parting ways with a close friend and colleague mid-season.
Despite their high expectations, Riley emphasized the urgent need for defensive improvement and assured that USC would achieve excellence on that front soon.
The decision followed a series of disappointing defensive performances, underscoring the necessity for change to salvage their season. Riley appointed Shaun Nua and Brian Odom as interim co-coordinators for the remainder of the campaign, aiming to rally the defensive unit amidst uncertainty.
He reflected on the career-changing adversity he faced earlier, encouraging his coaching staff to view this transition as a potential turning point.
