After USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch was fired thanks to a worsening trend of awful defensive performances, USC has looked internally to fill vacant positions brought on by his dismissal.
Former Trojan safety Taylor Mays, who was previously a defensive analyst in the program, has been promoted to safeties coach.
Mays was with the Trojans from 2006-2009, where he was one of the best defensive players in program history.
A three-time All-American, Mays was a physical freak that was as versatile as they came. After the 2007 season, ESPN published an article titled "Workout Warriors," where they highlighted the nation's most physically gifted athletes.
Mays was on the list, and had this description to follow:
"Measured at 6' 3", 226-pounds with 6% body fat, Mays ran an electronically timed 4.32 40-yard dash, threw up 225-pounds 23 times during the bench press, and recorded a 41" vertical jump and an 11' 4" standing broad jump."
With then-head coach Pete Carroll's unique defensive philosophies, Mays was used in a variety of ways that capitalized on his skillset, leading to his 3 All-American designations.
Mays was a second-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2010 NFL Draft, where he proceeded to play for one season prior to being dealt to the Bengals, where he spent the following few seasons.
At just 35, Mays has a long coaching career ahead of him, and an internal promotion going to a player that most Trojans likely look up to seems like a great call.
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