5 reasons why USC should keep Clay Helton as head coach
By Ian O'Brien
4. The Trojans are still rebuilding at quarterback
The wait was finally over for USC fans who were itching to see Max Browne compete as the starting quarterback. However, expectations of him were immediately shattered when he struggled in the Trojans’ first three games. They switched to redshirt freshman Sam Darnold, who performed brilliantly against Utah and put his team in position to win before a defensive meltdown.
The Trojans are still adjusting to life without Cody Kessler though, as he was their starter for three seasons. It would be unwise to make Darnold’s transition even more difficult by forcing him to adjust to a new coach midseason. Quarterbacks have to learn a new playbook any time they work with a new head coach or offensive coordinator. The Trojans cannot afford to make these changes or continue to be trigger-happy with firings.
Darnold has already shown what he is capable of against an undefeated Utah team. There is no telling what sort of potential he may unleash in two years from now. If the Trojans can just be patient and trust the process, they may be rewarded with the same sort of success they experienced in the Pete Carroll era.