On Monday, Clay Helton addressed the media for the first time as interim head coach after the termination of Steve Sarkisian. Helton, who previously served as interim head coach in the Trojans' victory in the 2014 Las Vegas Bowl, was confident and optimistic about the remainder of USC's season.
"I have done this job before. I am confident in my ability to do it," said Helton in his opening press conference.Here is what else he had to say:
- To help manage offensive responsibilities, Helton has moved Marques Tuiasosopo from tight ends coach to quarterbacks coach. Lenny Vandermade, an offensive administrative assistant, will coach tight ends. Helton will remain as both the offensive coordinator and play-caller.
- On the injury front, DE Claude Pelon (knee) is out for Notre Dame, while WR Steven Mitchell Jr. (ankle) is likely sidelined as well. However, WR Darreus Rogers (hamstring) should return after a strong practice today, and CB Iman Marshall (abdomen) is on track to play as well.
- The team was buoyed by the presence of Helton as interim head coach, treating him to a standing ovation in the team room when it was announced. "I have been in this profession for 21 years. I have probably forgotten a lot of games, a lot of plays, but I will never forget, for as long as I live, Pat Haden introducing me to this team and the ovation that they gave," said an appreciative Helton.
- In return, Helton's goal is to create a family atmosphere around the team. "It's not just all the time about Xs and Os and ball coaching. It's about going in that locker room and putting your arm around them," he said. "It's about sitting down and having dinner as a family."
- He started by promoting competition and energy in practice today. "The way they competed on a 'Competition Tuesday' was phenomenal. You can see they want to be great, and they will be," said Helton.
- In the bigger picture, Helton would like to be the permanent head coach at USC, but he is focused on the task at hand, beating Notre Dame. He also expressed his and the team's support and concern for Steve Sarkisian. "We love Coach Sark," said Helton. "He is a very, very good man and a good football coach. We look forward to him getting healthy and doing what he loves to do which is coach football."
- Here is Helton's entire press conference preceding Pat Haden's presser:
