Report: USC will retain Clay Helton as head coach

“Will Clay Helton be fired?” has been the question of the season regarding the USC Trojans. The answer to that question seems to have changed after every game, with Helton looking all but certain to be fired following a 3-3 start before rallying to win five of the team’s last six games to finish 8-4.

Despite the team’s strong finish, a report from SI local reporter Adam Maya said Helton would be fired and that USC would target Urban Meyer. That report was disputed by many, including USC sources, who were said to be “steamed” over it.

On Tuesday night, Football Scoop’s Zach Barnett reported the complete opposite of Maya.

Barnett reports that USC will keep Helton as their head coach. He says a formal announcement is expected on Wednesday.

Many USC fans lost interest in the program following last year’s 5-7 record and swore off Helton. But the firing of Lynn Swann coupled with the team winning despite injuries to quarterbacks JT Daniels and even Kedon Slovis at times was a tribute to strong coaching. Also keep the following in mind: keeping Helton for next season would not prevent USC from eventually hiring Meyer. Urban said he preferred to coach after next season.

USC fans, show everyone who runs LA with this great T-shirt: