Clay Helton Rumors: 'Industry Sources' Feel USC Leaning Toward HC's Return

USC president Carol Folt and athletic director Mike Bohn are reportedly "leaning toward" keeping Trojans head football coach Clay Helton despite concerns from donors and fans about his ability to build a national championship contender.

Bruce Feldman of The Athletic reported Wednesday that Folt, who became president of the university in July, has become "comfortable" with Helton and "likes the tone of his leadership," but there's rumblings from industry sources the school's decision-makers could face criticism if no change is made.

Fox Sports' Colin Cowherd reported he's also hearing Helton will return.

USC finished the regular season at 8-4 following a victory over rival UCLA last Saturday. The Trojans could still earn a berth in the Pac-12 Championship Game against Oregon should Utah, which is leading the South Division, get upset by Colorado this weekend.

The Trojans defeated the Utes 30-23 in September for their signature win.

Helton joined the USC staff as a quarterbacks coach in 2010 and served as the program's interim head coach in both 2013 and 2015 before taking on the permanent role in November 2015.

The 47-year-old Florida native defended himself amid questions about his job status following a blowout loss to the Ducks in early November.

"I've been here 10 years, and I believe in being a servant to this university and to the young men that are here," Helton told reporters. "Each and every day I wake up and I represent them and our school; and I will continue to do that, each and every day. And I'll fight like hell with the people that I believe in and the people that I love, until they ask me not to do it anymore."

The University of Houston product sounded a similar tune after his team beat the Bruins last week.

"I've had a wonderful 10 years here," he said. "I hope to have a heck of a lot more. But I have a deep fondness for this university and the people that are inside of it."

In all, Helton has guided USC to a 40-21 record across six years as head coach, including four full seasons. That includes a 2-2 mark in bowl games.

The 2019 campaign has marked a strong bounce-back performance after the Trojans failed to secure bowl eligibility with a 5-7 record in 2018.