USC Fires Helton After Loss to Stanford

September 13, 2021 by Staff

USC announced late Monday that Clay Helton had been fired as head coach of the Trojans. The move came two days after USC lost 42-28 at home to Stanford as a 17.5-point favorite.

The Trojans has been preseason-tabbed as national champion material by the Congrove Computer Rankings at CollegeFootballPoll.com. The team had plenty of talent and experience back in the fold and, though the loss was unexpected, Helton's dismissal risks tearing the team down even further. After the game on Saturday, an 11-1 season was not unrealistic. By Monday evening, a 6-6 season is not unrealistic.

Helton was named interim head coach in 2015 after Steve Sarkisian was let go five games in to the season. He was later elevated to head coach. Helton's teams won 3 PAC-12 South titles and the 2017 conference championship.

Helton was 46-24 overall and 36-13 in conference play.

Associate head coach Donte WIlliams was elevated to interim head coach.

SEE: Coaching Changes