5 reasons why USC should keep Clay Helton as head coach

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Sep 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Max Browne (4) throws a pass against the Utah State Aggies during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The players deserve a lot of blame, too

Taking the blame is part of being a head coach, especially for a storied program like USC. Helton has certainly taken the brunt of it from the Trojan fan base. The players are certainly not above reproach though. The USC defense has experienced perpetual struggles since the departure of Pete Carroll. It’s hard to fully blame the coaching when this has been a problem for this long though. They have allowed at least 27 points against all of their opponents except Utah State, including 52 against Alabama.

The USC offense naturally struggled against behemoth defenses in Alabama and Stanford. Lack of discipline among the players has been a long-standing problem as well. While Helton will receive blame for this as well, this issue was not any better before his arrival.

He has also not had the benefit of having an experienced quarterback like Kiffin did with Matt Barkley. Sarkisian had this luxury too while inheriting a team with Kessler, who was expected to be a Heisman Trophy candidate in his senior season. Even if any of these issues are not brought up, it’s clear that a lack of talent and discipline among the USC players will limit their head coach from reaching his full potential.

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