Missouri fires defensive coordinator Cross

Sep 11, 2017 - 12:31 AM Missouri fired defensive coordinator DeMontie Cross on Sunday after the team allowed 74 points in its first two games.

The Tigers lost 31-13 to South Carolina on Saturday, one week after giving up 43 points during their season-opening victory over Missouri State.

"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," Missouri coach Barry Odom said in a statement.

Odom didn't immediately name a new defensive coordinator. It is possible he could run the defense as he served as the coordinator for four seasons before being named head coach prior to the 2016 season.

Cross, a former Missouri safety in the mid-1990s, was in the second season of a three-year contract that pays him $600,000 per year.

The Tigers host Purdue on Saturday.