USC has given Clay Helton its full-time head coaching job, the program announced Monday morning.
Helton is 5-2 since taking over on an interim basis for Steve Sarkisian, leading the Trojans to a 40-21 win over UCLA Saturday and a Pac-12 South championship. The Trojans will meet Stanford Saturday for the Pac-12 title. Haden insists Helton did not get the job solely for beating UCLA, but in large part due to support from former and current players.
The USC job becomes Helton's first head coaching gig, though he has been a loyal soldier for the Trojans, previously serving as interim head coach for USC's 2013 Las Vegas Bowl win and turning down offensive coordinator opportunities at Alabama and Auburn to stay in Los Angeles.
Sources tell FootballScoop USC officials met with Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, but a match was not made.
Helton is the third consecutive Trojans head coach with a previous connection to the program, following former Pete Carroll assistants Lane Kiffin and Steve Sarkisian. Carroll remains the last outside hire made by the Trojans.
With the hire, USC becomes the six FBS program to fill its head coaching vacancy. Fourteen jobs remain open at this time.
Stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.