Bruce Feldman names top candidates to replace Alex Grinch as USC defensive coordinator

The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman named the top candidates that could replace former USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, who was dismissed Sunday.

The list is fascinating with rising coaches in the college football ranks. It also includes some veterans up for, perhaps, a better gig as a DC.

Let’s dive into the top candidates USC could bring in to take over the defensive coordinator job per Feldman.

Jim Leonhard, Illinois senior defensive analyst

Leonhard filled in valiantly as Wisconsin’s interim head coach in 2022 upon the firing of Paul Chryst. Heck, Leonhard was up for the job until the school landed Luke Fickell.

He’s a very good defensive mind and is currently an analyst under Bret Bielema out in Illinois. But Leonhard has the stats to back him up: a top total defense and top 10 in scoring defense while at Wisconsin. This should be USC’s top target.

D’Anton Lynn, UCLA DC

How about USC poaching from its biggest rival? That would make quite the storyline as the schools enter the Big Ten beginning in the 2024 season. Lynn is just 33 years old and on the rise.

UCLA leads the Pac-12 in run defense and in sacks. That’s something that has to be appealing to the Trojans’ brass. Since rising from an NFL assistant and coming into a prime college job, Lynn is only getting better right now. 

Tony White, Nebraska DC

Despite Nebraska’s overall struggles amid a rebuild under Matt Rhule, White is doing one heck of a job this season. White has the Huskers as the No. 2 run unit in the Big Ten, in terms of defense. They’re also No. 2 in sacks.

White was proven too, considering his success at Syracuse. Those defenses were top 25 in 2021 and ‘22. This is certainly an option for USC if the Trojans want a stout unit in both areas.

Tony Gibson, NC State DC

If Gibson isn’t up for a head coaching job this winter, Feldman pointed out how this would be a solid option for USC. NC State is currently No. 9 overall in third-down defense and was first in the ACC in scoring defense and third in total defense in 2022.

Gibson makes $1.3 million a year at NC State, but money seems to be no object for USC, especially moving to the Big Ten in a de facto super conference. The Trojans could be enticed to make the move.

Tim DeRuyter, Texas Tech DC

DeRuyter spent time at Oregon and Cal in the past, so he’s familiar with the area being a Southern California native as well. Right now, his defense is No. 3 in the Big 12 in yards per play.

The 60-year-old coach is a veteran and has plenty of experience. He could be the type of hard nosed coach needed by USC for its defense going into the 2024 campaign. Especially with Big Ten-style football.

Joe Harasymiak, Rutgers DC

Here’s one to watch out in the Big Ten. Harasymiak is the highest paid defensive coordinator in the history of Rutgers and it’s been worth it for the Scarlet Knights .

Rutgers is No. 10 in the country in total defense and No. 2 in fewest plays of 20 yards or more allowed. Harasymiak is a former head coach (Maine) and coached at Minnesota. This would be a splash but you can bet defensive guru Greg Schiano will do everything to keep him in Piscataway.

Zach Arnett, Mississippi State HC

Feldman threw out a very interesting name to end his list as a “wild card.” Arnett took over for the late Mike Leach but was his defensive coordinator prior to his passing. During that time, Arnett had top five defenses in the SEC.

Arnett might not be retained by the current administration since he was promoted internally. Mississippi State is 4-5 at the moment and the Bulldogs could go after someone different, according to Feldman. Maybe this is a sneaky one to watch for USC.

The search is expected to be a thorough one considering USC’s defensive problems. The question is now will the Trojans execute?