USC Fires Football Head Coach Clay Helton

LOS ANGELES -- Clay Helton is USC's head football coach no more.

In a prepared statement, USC athletic director Mike Bohn said he fired head football coach Clay Helton on Monday afternoon, less than 48 hours after the Trojans lost to Stanford 42-28. Assistant coach Donte Williams was named the team's interim head coach.

"This afternoon, I informed Clay Helton of my decision to make a change in the leadership of our football program," Bohn said. "We appreciate his many years of service to our university."

"I'm confident that as our interim head coach, Donte Williams give us a higher probability for success the remainder of the season," Bohn explained. "With 10 games left, we still have control of our own destiny in the Pac-10 Conference."

Bohn said that a national search for a new permanent head coach will be conducted over the next few months.

"We will actively and patiently pursue a coach who will deliver on the championship aspirations and expectations we all share for our football program."

Helton, who was named as the team's leader in 2015, leaves USC with a 46-24 overall coaching record, but he was only 2-3 in bowl games.