USC’s regular season ended on a disappointing note with a 38-20 loss to UCLA in the latest installment of the crosstown rivalry. While a bowl game awaits, it’s unlikely to reshape perceptions of the overall season. Reflecting on the 2023 regular season, it’s clear that the program underwent a staggering decline in the latter half of the year.
The 2023 Cotton Bowl emerged as a crucial moment that would typically lead a head coach to reconsider strategies. Watching Tulane score 16 points in the final five minutes, transforming a seemingly secure 45-30 victory into a shocking 46-45 defeat, should have prompted Lincoln Riley to part ways with Alex Grinch immediately and commence a search for a new defensive coordinator. While he’s considered one of the best offensive gurus and quarterback whisperers in college football today, sometimes change is needed.
Photo Cred: USC
“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to do what’s right for the program,” Riley said, via The Athletic. “I would never take anything off the table. So that’s something I’ve thought about from time to time. That’s also a piece of the puzzle in terms of who you hire, the other staff members that you have, where the program is at at certain points.”
Despite Caleb Williams returning for another season and the presence of other talented players on the USC roster, Riley seemed to overlook the unique opportunity the Trojans had. Choosing to retain Grinch for a second year was rationalized by the desire for continuity, considering USC’s success in Year 1 under Grinch’s system. While understandable, it proved to be an imprudent decision.
Photo Cred: LA Times
Riley’s substantial investment in Alex Grinch resulted in significant losses. Now faced with the challenge of finding a new defensive coordinator, Riley must contemplate broader staffing changes and reconsider the overall approach to running the program. The Cotton Bowl should have been a wakeup call, but Riley persisted with Grinch. Perhaps the recent loss to UCLA will finally prompt him to acknowledge the necessity for substantial changes in his coaching strategies. As discussions about the Cotton Bowl persist, Riley’s career finds itself at a crossroads, underscoring the urgency for him to reassess and adapt for future success.
