USC football: Lane Kiffin names Clay Helton offensive coordinator

USC Coach Lane Kiffin on Saturday officially announced the addition of three new assistants and the promotion of quarterbacks coach Clay Helton to offensive coordinator.

The news release sent out by USC did not address whether Kiffin would give up play-calling duties.

“I am excited to have completed the reconstruction of our staff,” Kiffin said in a statement. “It was a very exhaustive and thorough process.”

Helton will continue to coach quarterbacks as the Trojans transition from four-year starter Matt Barkley to sophomores Max Wittek or Cody Kessler or freshman Max Browne.

Former running backs coach Kennedy Pola, who was fired two weeks ago, held the title of offensive coordinator for three seasons. But Kiffin oversaw the offense and called plays.

Tommie Robinson, former running backs coach for the Arizona Cardinals, will be running backs coach/passing game coordinator. Mike Summers, a former Kentucky assistant, is the offensive line coach/running game coordinator, and former Indiana assistant Mike Ekeler is linebackers coach.

Special teams coach John Baxter will also coach tight ends. James Cregg will remain as an offensive line coach, assisting Summers.

In January, Kiffin hired Clancy Pendergast as defensive coordinator. Pendergast also will coach defensive backs.

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