USC Trojans Latest News: Clay Helton Is Team's Official Head Coach

Praise USC for finally making a smart move this time, even if some aren't happy with it.

The Trojans told reporters in an announcement Monday that interim head coach Clay Helton has been promoted and signed as the football team's official and permanent coach, which in turn officially ends months of crazy events, speculations, and issues. With a current record of 5-2 this season, he more than deserves a crack at the official head coaching job for the rejuvenated team.

The school's athletic director Pat Haden said in a statement that they didn't need to look for someone else because someone deserving was already in front of them, waiting to be called. "After weeks of searching the collegiate and pro ranks, interviewing candidates, and speaking with coaches, athletic directors, NF 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 said.

Helton will be taking over the job after Steve Sarkisian was fired last October after reasons related to intoxication. The 43-year-old actually has the best credentials to take over, considering that he's been with the team since 2010. He previously served as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator for the Trojans.

Haden believes Helton is the man for the job, stating that he has a great ability in communicating and connecting with young talents. "He brings high character, stability, continuity, consistency, toughness, and resiliency to our program," he added.

Another distinct quality of Helton, which sometimes is mistaken to be a weakness, is that he isn't as assertive and charismatic when compared to previous USC coaches. Some college football observers see him as boring. In most interviews, he tries to shy away from talking about himself and instead swings the topic to the players.