[ad_1]
PASADENA, Calif. – While Clay Helton was leaving the field at the Rose Bowl and entering the tunnel after the USC's 34-27 loss to UCLA on Saturday, it was impossible for the troubled coach of Trojans. avoid taunts.
A fan held a sign over the tunnel calling Helton's work, and several other songs and jeers were heard to express the same feeling.
Earlier in the week, Helton had indicated that he was not concerned about his job security and that he felt supported by the USC Sports Director, Lynn Swann. But after losing to one of UCLA's worst teams in recent years, Helton's tone was bleak and not so definitive.
When asked if he knew he would return next season, Helton replied, "That's a great question for Mr. Swann, and out of respect and honor for him, I'll let him ask that question."
Swann was not seen near USC locker room after the match and did not speak to the media, which is not outside the norm. Helton said that he had spoken to Swann in the locker room after the match.
"He just mopped my neck and said, 'Coach, we see each other on Monday,'" said Helton, referring to the permanent meeting they had on Monday.
A defeat for the Bruins (3-8, 3-5) would have equaled most of their attempts in a season. USC (5-6, 4-5) will now beat No. 3 Notre Dame next week in Los Angeles to become eligible for the cup.
The last time the USC did not win six matches, it was in 2000, which resulted in the dismissal of coach Paul Hackett and the arrival of Pete Carroll.
"No one wants to see him leave," said quarterback USC JT Daniels in Helton. "Everyone here who knows him, likes him.If you blame Clay Helton for this loss, you have no idea what football is.
"There are things that players do not perform, and that's all – the game part of these players is to make the games, we have the opportunity."
After winning the Rose Bowl in Helton's first full season as a coach in 2016 and the Pac-12 of last year, the USC supporters base has quickly lost patience with the team this year, lacking discipline and faced with inconsistency.
"I know the work," said Helton. "The work is, if you win, people will congratulate you, and if you lose, they will get it, and if you do not like it, do not be in this profession." It hurts my back. I do not worry about that. "
Helton sacked offensive line coach Neil Callaway and replaced offensive coordinator, Tee Martin, two days after the Trojans defeated the Arizona State on Oct. 27.
Source link
