COLUMBIA, MO. • Missouri’s defense showed some progress in Saturday’s loss to South Carolina but not enough to save defensive coordinator DeMontie Cross’ job. MU announced Sunday that Cross was fired, effective immediately. Cross also coaches the team’s inside linebackers.
“I am very appreciative of all that DeMontie has done for Mizzou, and am sorry that this did not work out, however, after careful evaluation, I believe it is important to make this change now,” MU coach Barry Odom said in a statement released Sunday by the school.
Cross was not available to comment.
One source close to the decision said Cross’ firing has “zero to do with on-field performance” but did not elaborate.