Washington State defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has been named one of 15 semifinalists for the Broyles Award that goes to the nation’s best assistant coach annually.
In his third year as WSU’s defensive coordinator, Grinch has turned the Cougars into a defensive force. WSU ranks 11th nationally in total defense (allowing an average of 303.8 yards per game). The Cougars also rank second nationally with 94 tackles for loss, third in turnovers forced (27), and sixth in sacks (36).
Grinch came to WSU from Missouri in 2015. In three years, he’s overhauled the Cougars’ defense, and his emphasis on turnovers has become part of WSU’s defensive identity.