The biggest coaching opening in college football came off the vacancy board on Monday as USC athletic director Pat Haden announced Clay Helton has signed a five-year deal to serve as the Trojans' head coach.
Helton took over as head coach on an interim basis on Oct. 12 after Haden fired Steve Sarkisian. The Trojans were 5-2 under Helton with losses to Notre Dame and Oregon, good enough to earn a berth in Saturday's Pac-12 Championship Game against Stanford, and good enough to end Haden's search for a permanent coach.
"After weeks of searching the collegiate and pro ranks, interviewing candidates, and speaking with head coaches, athletic directors, NFL executives, and very knowledgeable football people, and after observing Clay in action the past seven weeks, it became abundantly clear that what we were searching for in a coach was right here in front of us," Haden stated in a school release. "Choosing a coach is an inexact science. In Clay's case, there is exactness. We have a man with unquestioned integrity. He is a fantastic person and he is real. Clay is a leader of young men. He is a terrific communicator. He brings high character, stability, continuity, consistency, toughness and resiliency to our program."
Among the other coaches USC inquired about was Oakland Raiders coach Jack Del Rio, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. Del Rio was a consensus All-American linebacker at USC and a 1985 Rose Bowl MVP for the Trojans. Haden's decision also brings to an end speculation that Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly could end up as USC's coach. Kelly was 46-7 over four seasons at Oregon before taking the Eagles job. Kelly said on Monday that he hasn't looked at college jobs and is committed to the Eagles. Haden told FOX Sports' Bruce Feldman on Monday that Kelly was not interviewed.
While the hire seemed to be a hit with current USC players, including junior linebacker Su'a Cravens and senior quarterback Cody Kessler, it wasn't so popular with some former Trojans, according to Feldman. Haden has already come under legitimate criticism for the Sarkisian hire and whether the former coach's history of alcohol use was properly vetted. In replacing Sarkisian with an assistant who has no previous head-coaching experience (excluding his time as interim coach), Haden is rolling dangerous dice. USC's is one of the most high-profile jobs in college football, and a more proven track record as a head coach is a requirement for far lesser roles.
Helton, 43, had been Sarkisian's offensive coordinator. His hiring makes Georgia the most high-profile opening among 14 vacant head-coaching jobs at the FBS level.
"I am extremely humbled and grateful to (USC president) Max Nikias, Pat Haden and the Trojan Family for having the opportunity to be the head football coach at the University of Southern California. During my six years here, I have learned the standard of excellence that it takes to be a Trojan. I understand the expectations of this great university and welcome the challenge," Helton said, per the school release.
Seattle Seahawks and former USC coach Pete Carroll took to social media to show support for Haden's decision on Monday.
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