USC 'Steamed' by False Reports About Firing of Clay Helton
By Michael Luciano
Clay Helton can rest easy, for the time being, as he is still in charge at USC.
It was originally reported that the Trojans were planning to relieve Helton of his duties after an 8-4 season, according to Sports Illustrated's Adam Maya. However, multiple USC sources claim that Helton is still the team's head coach, and they are "steamed" that claims of his firing were circulated.
Just spoke to multiple USC sources. This isn't right. And USC people are rightfully steamed. https://t.co/8rcZD2dDDm
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 1, 2019
Helton, who has been with the program since the 2010 campaign and was named the head coach after serving as the offensive coordinator in 2014, hasn't been able to restore the Trojans to their former glory, as he has gone 40-21 with USC, winning a Rose Bowl thanks to Sam Darnold in 2017.
Helton, innovative offensive coordinator Graham Harrell, and freshman quarterback Kedon Slovis had the Trojans ranked for most of the year. This is a blue blood program that needs to be competing for Pac-12 titles every year, not scraping together a shot at the Sun Bowl, so it's reasonable to call this season a disappointment.
????????: USC to dismiss head coach Clay Helton, per multiple sourceshttps://t.co/oDJjfQszqn
— Adam Maya (@AdamJMaya) December 1, 2019
40-21 with an explosive offense normally keeps you employed, and apparently that's satisfied the USC athletic department so far. Helton might still get a pink slip, but he's safe for now.