USC Coach Clay Helton hires his brother, Tyson, to lead passing game

USC Coach Clay Helton did not stray far as he started to assemble his coaching staff.

Helton announced Monday that he had hired his brother, Tyson, as running backs coach and passing-game coordinator. He also hired Neil Callaway, who was offensive line coach under the Heltons’ father, Kim, at Houston during a 37-year coaching career.

Before USC’s 23-21 loss to Wisconsin in the Holiday Bowl, Helton promoted receivers coach Tee Martin to offensive coordinator.

Tyson Helton, 38, and Callaway, 60, coached last season at Western Kentucky.

Join the conversation on Facebook >>

Tyson Helton was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Hilltoppers, who won Conference USA as well as the Peach Bowl and finished 12-2. Callaway is former head coach at Alabama Birmingham and also coached as an assistant at Auburn, Alabama and Georgia.

Western Kentucky averaged 44.3 points a game, which ranked third nationally. The Hilltoppers ranked first in passing efficiency, fourth in passing and ninth in total yards.

“We are very excited to welcome Tyson and Neil to the Trojan Family,” Clay Helton said in a statement. “Their experience and knowledge will be a huge benefit to our players as well as our football program.

Get the latest in sports with our free newsletter >>

“Both have been highly successful coordinators and we look forward to the fresh energy and ideas they will bring.”

Johnny Nansen had been USC’s running backs coach the last two seasons. He also has coached special teams, cornerbacks, linebackers and defensive linemen, so he could be moved to another position on the staff.

MORE USC NEWS

USC’s Adoree’ Jackson will now turn attention to track and field

Chip Kelly is fired in Philadelphia, and what’s a USC fan to think?

USC’s Clay Helton gets emotional over departure of senior Cody Kessler