Truman's Tales
Fansided

Missouri Football: Tigers dismiss defensive coordinator DeMontie Cross after loss

By Eric Quackenbush

COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 10: The playing field of Memorial Stadium at Faurot Field is seen prior to practice on November 10, 2015 in Columbia, Missouri. The university looks to get things back to normal after the recent protests on campus that lead to the resignation of the school's President and Chancellor on November 9. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 10: The playing field of Memorial Stadium at Faurot Field is seen prior to practice on November 10, 2015 in Columbia, Missouri. The university looks to get things back to normal after the recent protests on campus that lead to the resignation of the school's President and Chancellor on November 9. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

A day after the Missouri Tigers’ 31-13 loss to South Carolina, defensive coordinator DeMontie Cross was fired. Where do the Tigers go from here?

In 2016, Cross was ineffective as the defensive coordinator for Missouri, as the Tigers allowed multiple offenses, on average, 500 yards per game.

As the Tigers took the field for their first game against Missouri State last week, Cross’s defense again allowed their FCS opponent an astounding 400+ yards on offense.

Against South Carolina, the defense was slightly improved, but once again, allowed 359 yards of offense, which was enough for Missouri to decide it was time to move on.

Missouri Tigers Football
Missouri Tigers Football /

Missouri Tigers Football

To make matters even more interesting, Cross hasn’t been calling defensive plays for Missouri since midway through last season; he’s been working primarily with the team’s linebackers.

Since Cross’ demotion in 2016, head coach Barry Odom has assumed the responsibility of defensive play calling, which clearly hasn’t been working much better for the Tigers. It remains to be seen where Odom’s future may be in all of this, but Saturday’s loss to South Carolina doesn’t bode well for him.

"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,"

I understand fans’ frustration, and completely sympathize. I’ve been there as a fan over the years, and it’s easy to tell when a team or a specific unit on a team has either checked out or no longer buys into what’s being sold.

I don’t know that the Tigers are that far down the rabbit hole, yet, but it may not be far behind if some coaching inspiration doesn’t come along soon.

Unless something changes, Missouri is looking at its third season without a bowl appearance, which is a huge disappointment, coming out of the offseason with a promising performance in the Black and Gold spring game.

Next: Media balks at Tigers' schedule

The question is, can the Tigers make some positive changes with some minor tweaks and adjustments? Is this as simple as mind over matter? The talent on offense certainly suggests that it could be that simple. On defense, especially in the secondary, it could be a long season for Missouri.

Home/Football