Wisconsin Football Fans Not Thrilled About New Coaches Job Title

Wisconsin football made a notable coaching addition last week, bringing in Alex Grinch, former USC and Oklahoma defensive coordinator, to fill the role of safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator. 

“I’m thankful to have the opportunity to add Alex [Grinch] to our staff,” Luke Fickell said in a statement. “Alex has phenomenal experience from across the college football landscape, and I’m excited for the schematic, recruiting, and coaching talents he’ll bring to our defensive staff.”

Welcome to Wisconsin, @CoachGrinch!#OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/YkHd9Gtpv9

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) February 1, 2024

The decision by Coach Fickell followed Colin Hitschler’s departure, who took on the same position at Alabama under Kalen DeBoer.

Grinch, with a diverse coaching background, has previously served as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Washington State (2015-2017) and the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Ohio State (2018).

He would later become the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Oklahoma under Lincoln Riley (2019-2021), continuing in the same role when he went to USC (2022-2023).

The Ohio native led back-to-back top 30 units in total defense at Oklahoma in 2019 and 2020, but that number dipped to No. 76 in 2021 before departing for USC. In his two seasons as the Trojans’ defensive coordinator, they finished No. 106 in total defense and No. 119. 

Grinch’s time at USC came to an ugly end last season when he faced a midseason termination due to the team’s dreadful defensive struggles, allowing 34.4 points per game. 

However, he boasts a noteworthy track record, being a four-time nominee for the Broyles Award, recognizing the nation’s top assistant coach. This isn’t some shot-in-the-dark hiring by Fickell. 

Wisconsin Football Adds Co-DC to Alex Grinch’s Coaching Title

Initial reports made it seem as if Alex Grinch was joining the Wisconsin football program as a safeties coach. However, when his hiring was announced by UW, the title of co-defensive coordinator was added, and the Badgers fanbase was collectively…rattled. 

“Co-defensive Coordinator” pic.twitter.com/M2WcA9n9vf

— Nathan (@NathanJH31) February 1, 2024

Regardless of what his job title says, it’s important to note that Luke Fickell is bringing in Grinch as an assistant coach, not a coordinator, whose primary focus will be working with the secondary.

Despite Grinch’s recent challenges as a defensive coordinator, especially during his stint at USC, the hire should be evaluated primarily based on his success as a position coach and recruiting ability—both of which he’s proven to be successful doing at a high level.

The co-defensive coordinator title isn’t meaningless, but it’s not like he’s walking in the door to take over Mike Tressel’s defense. Grinch will simply be the Wisconsin Badgers’ defensive “eyes in the sky,” if you will, from the press box if Tressel remains on the field. He’ll also help with substitutions and organizing the use of personnel packages.

In short, the Grinch will support Coach Tressel—while getting a little pay bump. Colin Hitschler held the same role last season, and I’m doubtful a handful of the people upset about that were even aware.

Like in any field, people tend to continue to be promoted until they’re no longer capable of handling the job responsibilities. That’s what happened with Grinch. He was a pretty damn good safeties coach who worked with plenty of respected head coaches and got more opportunities as a result. Turns out the defensive coordinator role isn’t the best fit for him.

In my opinion, that backlash coming from naming Grinch as the new safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator for the Wisconsin football team seems like an exaggerated response, considering his ample qualifications and previous successes in the position.

Terrible hire. Disappointed

— marcy carlile (@CarlileMarcy) February 1, 2024

I understand why the announcement might have raised some eyebrows, but it won’t make or break the Wisconsin Badgers’ defense.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read our work at BadgerNotes.com. For more Wisconsin Badgers Athletics and Big Ten content, follow us on Twitter & Facebook. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher @DillonGraff at Dillon.T.Graff@gmail.com. 

Also, be sure to check out our shop, subscribe to our newsletter, and the BadgerNotes After Dark podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. Because of your support, we have become one of the fastest-growing independent media outlets focused on giving a voice to the fans!