Wesley McGriff will not return as Ole Miss defensive coordinator next season, the school announced on Friday morning.
McGriff has two years remaining on his contract valued at $1.1 million per season and his buyout structure calls for it to be paid in full over the next to years.
The Ole Miss defense struggled mightily in McGriff’s two-year tenure in Oxford. The Rebels ranked as the worst defense in the SEC in 2018. The unit was devoid of talent and ravaged by injuries, but it became clear part of the issue was scheme as well. Ole Miss allowed 36.3 points per game this season.
“I want to thank Wesley for his hard work and dedication to Ole Miss,” Luke said. “Despite the challenges his unit faced this season, we can be better on that side of the ball, and I determined new leadership is needed.”
McGriff’s two-year run as defensive coordinator was his second stint with the program. He was the defensive backs coach under Hugh Freeze in 2012. McGriff’s departure as defensive coordinator is the most significant staff change Matt Luke has made as permanent head coach. Luke hired linebackers coach Jon Sumrall last offseason after Bradley Del Peveto left to join Jimbo Fisher’s staff at Texas A&M.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
