College Football: 10 coaches who could be on hot seat in 2020
By Dante Pryor
1. Clay Helton, USC
It seems as if Clay Helton has been coaching for his job since he became head coach of the USC Trojans. One narrative that is short-sighted is, “USC wants the sexy hire like Pete Carroll.” The issue with that statement is Carroll was not sexy when the Trojans hired him to succeed Paul Hackett. The Trojans gave Carroll something fans don’t want to give Helton; an opportunity to succeed.
Let’s be clear here, this is not the Helton defense post. Some of his criticism is warranted and some is not.
It has been a tale of two stints for Helton. His first two full seasons in Los Angeles, Helton was 21-6 with a Rose Bowl win. In his last two seasons, he’s just 13-12 and gave up 49 points to an Iowa team that no one mistook for an offensive juggernaut. They did well to win eight games considering the injuries they had to endure last season.
However, the Trojans need to get bigger, faster and stronger. They don’t look like the teams Carroll coached over a decade ago. Hiring Todd Orlando as the new defensive coordinator helps give the team some physicality and toughness. He will also help in recruiting. The Trojans flat-out need to recruit better. Contrary to what some people believe, the game is better when the Trojans are good.
Due to the mess in USC’s athletic department and the rash of injuries last season, Helton might have been given a mulligan. He probably won’t be on watch like he was most of the season either. However, if they aren’t playing for a Pac-12 title in 2020, Helton might be searching his Indeed account for openings.