Oklahoma football could lose important coach to rival Big 12 job

Oklahoma football could lose their defensive coordinator with Alex Grinch looking like a top candidate for the Texas Tech job opening.

Oklahoma’s bye week is the perfect opportunity for the team to gear up for a final push towards the College Football Playoff in November.

It could end up sealing the departure of defensive coordinator Alex Grinch.

According to Bruce Feldman of FOX, Grinch used the bye to interview for Texas Tech’s head coach opening.

Alex Grinch could be the front-runner for the Texas Tech job

Grinch has emerged as a candidate for the Red Raiders’ job in part because other more established candidates appear to be looking elsewhere. SMU’s Sonny Dykes was the top target for Texas Tech, per Feldman, but he appears more interested in the TCU opening.

UTSA’s Jeff Traylor was also considered. However, he signed an extension and looks set to stay in San Antonio.

All of that means Grinch looks like the guy for Texas Tech if he wants the job. Per Feldman, he’s turned down Power Five jobs before.

There is a Grinch connection to the Red Raiders. Former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach gave him his first chance as a defensive coordinator at Washington State. He went on to coach under Urban Meyer at Ohio State before taking over as Lincoln Riley’s defensive coordinator in 2019.

After three seasons in the Big 12, maybe he thinks his time has come.

If that happens, the Sooners will have to deal with a new face running their defense in 2022.

For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.