Mizzou fires defensive coordinator DeMontie Cross

Mizzou football coach Barry Odom has fired defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach DeMontie Cross.

“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,” Odom said.

Odom hired Cross in December of 2015, just a a few weeks after Odom was originally hired. The Tigers were ranked 5th nationally in points allowed in 2015. In Cross’s first year as DC, MU was ranked last in the that category in the SEC. Mizzou also was second to last in the SEC East for yards per play allowed in 2016. So far in 2017, the Tigers are last in the SEC East in yards per play allowed giving up close to six yards per play.

Mizzou has given up 74 points through two games this season, including 43 points to Missouri State. On Saturday, the Tigers defense let up 359 yards of offense in their loss to South Carolina.

A Mizzou release says Cross will be paid based upon the terms of his contract according to school officials.

We will continue to update this developing story.