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The Grinch that Saved Arizona? Oklahoma DC to Interview with Wildcats

By Kenny Lindberg

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 19: Arizona Wildcats helmets line the field ahead of the game against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 19, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 19: Arizona Wildcats helmets line the field ahead of the game against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 19, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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With the Oklahoma Sooners defensive coordinator Alex Grinch set to interview with Arizona, would he bring instant excitement to Tucson?

As the search continues for the next Arizona Football head football coach, another new name has emerged for an interview in Oklahoma’s Alex Grinch.

If Dave Heeke was looking to make a big splash with his next coaching hire that would fire up the fan base, players, and alums alike, getting someone like Grinch would achieve that.

Arizona Wildcats
Arizona Wildcats /

Arizona Wildcats

The former University of Mount Union Safety would bring what many fans have been wanting, a young, hungry coach that’s ready to make a big impact. Add in his recruiting ties and relationships that he would bring with him from Norman, and we could be looking at a potentially dominant defensive program in a few short years.

Alex Grinch Coaching Profile

Age: 40
Position: Oklahoma Defensive Coordinator
Alma Mater: Mount Union

Resume:

2002-2004 Graduate Assistant at Missouri

2005-2008 CB/Recruiting Coordinator/DB Coach at New Hampshire

2009-2011 Recruiting Coordinator/ Secondary Coach at Wyoming

2012-2014 Safeties Coach at Missouri

2015-2017 Defensive Coordinator/ Secondary Coach at Washington State

2018 Co-Defensive Coordinator at Ohio State

2019-Current Defensive Coordinator at Oklahoma

Career Highlights:

  • A 4-time nominee for the Broyles Award as top Assistant Coach
  • Took Washington State’s defense from 99th nationally to 16th in total defense
  • Helped Wyoming to 5th nationally in Turnovers Gained in 2011
  • As a player was a 3-time National Champion and 3rd team All-American Honoree

Why Would Grinch Come to Arizona?

It is likely time for Grinch to take the reigns as a head coach as he’s already been an assistant for nearly 20 years. He would get a blank slate and the ability to build the program the way he wants, and potentially get higher-rated players with the promise of big-time playing time in a Power 5 program that most other programs would not be able to offer with an elite head coach.

Despite his experience, Grinch is still a very young coach and could provide a nice bit of stability for Arizona, barring a properly structured contract with a large buy-out. If he’s interested in interviewing and coming to Arizona, you’d have to think Reilly isn’t going anywhere, and Grinch wants a program all to his own.

Why Wouldn’t Grinch Come to Arizona?

Two words, Lincoln Reilly. If Reilly decides to head to the NFL, one would have to assume the Sooner’s coaching search would likely begin and end with Alex Grinch. The opportunity to take over one of the nation’s elite programs would be nearly too good to pass up, and already has a championship mindset and culture built-in.

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