BREAKING NEWS: THE WISCONSIN BADGERS hire, Alex Grinch as their latest safeties coach.

Wisconsin has secured a replacement for safeties coach Colin Hitchler, who recently assumed the same position at Alabama. As reported by BadgerExtra, the university is poised to bring on Alex Grinch to lead the safeties group during the upcoming spring. This information was later confirmed by BadgerBlitz.com on Thursday afternoon.

Grinch, 43, brings extensive coaching experience, having served as a coordinator at various schools, including USC (2022-2023), Oklahoma (2019-2022), Ohio State (CO-DC/2018), and Washington State (2015-2017). Notably, he has been nominated four times for the Broyles Award, recognizing the nation’s top assistant coach.

His most recent stint was at USC in 2022, following Lincoln Riley from Oklahoma. However, after a 52-42 loss to Washington, Grinch was relieved of his duties in November with two regular-season games remaining. The decision was attributed to the team’s defensive struggles, allowing 572 yards against the Huskies.

Grinch’s coaching history also includes roles at Missouri (2002-2004), New Hampshire (2005-2008), Wyoming (2009-2011), and a return to Missouri (2012-2014). As a player, he competed as a safety at Mount Union College from 1998 to 2001.

Taking charge of an experienced unit at Wisconsin this spring, Grinch will have notable players like Hunter Wohler, who announced his return for a fourth season, along with Preston Zachman, Kamo’i Latu, and Austin Brown. Additionally, true freshman Braedyn Moore is expected to contribute after gaining experience in the fall.

On the recruiting front, the Badgers have secured commitments from projected safeties Cody Haddad and Jaimier Scott in the 2025 class. Grinch, known for his successful recruiting efforts in California, Texas, and Georgia, is expected to play a key role in UW’s upcoming events, including the second junior day on Feb. 3, where top safety target Jussiah Williams is set to attend.