Well, it’s said that desperate times call for desperate measures. For the USC Trojans, they finally seem to have found the missing piece after an arduous second-half season. There’s no denying that the current Trojans defense is hapless and has been found wanting against the opposition. Their defense has come under scrutiny and is keeping them off a possible playoff berth.

Trojans have been absolutely clueless about securing their goalposts this year. In the 10 games that they have played thus far, they’ve only secured 20 pass completions. Their disgraceful performances continue to be worrisome as the pass completion percentage is a below-average 62.3%. Furthermore, for the USC they’ve only managed 250 yards on their defenses. Now, the Trojans have brought on board a former Bengals safety to help solidify their defenses. The new defensive assistant coach was recently seen interacting with the players.

Taylor Mays joins the Trojans as a defensive assistant coach

Amidst all the chaos and the criticisms against the defenses, the USC Trojans have finally decided to do something about their weak link. Moved by an emotional OJ Simpson video, the Trojans have made some changes. Former Cincinnati Bengals safety joined the side as its defensive assistant coach. The elevated role was confirmed on Tuesday in a press conference. It was done with the immediate effect of firing Alex Grinch as the team just declined and touched a new look each week. It’s a great opportunity for Mays to bring his NFL experience to full effect.

The USC now heading into the final two weeks of their NCAA season. Hopes would be high on Mays to deliver the goods. Their next two games are against Oregon State and the UCLA Bruins, two competitive sides who are performing well this year. Taylor has his task cut out as the Trojans look for a miracle to turn things over! The news was given by USA Today Sports.

ALSO READ: “I Feel Bad”: OJ Simpson Exonerates Caleb Williams in USC Trojans’ Heartbreaking Loss

They released an official statement saying- “Defensive analyst Taylor Mays has been elevated to an on-field assistant coach and will work with the (USC) safeties.” Lincoln Riley, the team’s HC was keeping a tab on things and shared his views.

Riley comes down hard on a struggling Trojans defense

The Trojans HC Lincoln Riley is not beating around the bush. After earlier conveying that the partnership with Alex Grinch was working wonders and there was hope to bring back the campaign on track. With Grinch’s firing after another miserable win against the Huskies, Riley was forced to make the changes. He has absolute clarity in what the team needs to achieve and hence requires someone who can bolster the defenses.

With Mays taking over with immediate effect, Riley supported his actions and ensured the changes were done at appropriate times. Hopefully, with Taylor taking over the reins of USC’s defenses now, this could bring a revamped performance for the battered side.

WATCH THIS STORY: USC Trojans loss disheartens OJ Simpson and urges Caleb Williams to put team success above all else.