Alford said Monday in a statement provided by the school announcing the hiring of Murry Bartow to replace assistant David Grace that Grace's dismissal was Alford's call. Alford said he met with Guerrero after the season ended last month and asked if the athletic director would be supportive of a personnel change to improve the program.
After receiving Guerrero's support, Alford said, he made the decision not to keep Grace on his staff. Grace said Saturday that Alford had pinned the move on Guerrero, adding that the athletic director later told Grace that he was not involved in the decision.