Lincoln Riley calls for USC fans to react with 'appreciation' to Clay Helton's return

When USC welcomes Georgia Southern this week, a former coach returns. Clay Helton is now in his fourth season as the Eagles’ head coach and Saturday’s game will mark his first time at the Coliseum since his departure in 2021.

Helton’s successor had a strong message about the type of reception fans will give during the game. Lincoln Riley said the USC faithful should express their appreciation for the former coach considering his seven seasons in Los Angeles.

Helton had a 46-24 overall record as the Trojans’ head coach, including back-to-back 10-win seasons in 2016 and 2017. Riley also pointed out the difference in resources the program has in 2025 compared to under the previous coaching regime, which he said should also put things in perspective.

“I hope our fans react with a lot of appreciation. I do,” Riley told reporters Friday. “Coach Helton had a long run here. That’s a long run for anyone in coaching. Coach Helton was a part of a lot of great moments here, and I know that Coach Helton gave his heart and soul to this place. And I think, at times, [he] worked under – I wasn’t here, so I don’t want to judge too much – but I think at times, it’s fair to say, worked here at a time where he didn’t have all the advantages that maybe the outside world would think that USC has or would have. That’s just the truth.

“He’s a really good football coach, he’s a great human being that represented this place very well. I certainly hope our fans know that and I want him to know that he’s appreciated by this place and always will be. I know everybody here within the walls feels that way.”

Lincoln Riley: Clay Helton is ‘pretty special’

USC missed bowl games in 2018 and 2020, and ultimately parted ways with Clay Helton after a 1-1 start to the 2021 season. He then took over at Georgia Southern in 2022, where he entered this year with a 20-19 record and three straight bowl game appearances. The Eagles dropped their season opener last week against Fresno State.

Lincoln Riley said he and Helton crossed paths earlier in their careers before ultimately succeeding him at USC. As for the relationship between the two, Riley spoke highly of his predecessor.

“I’ve had a chance to sit down and really have some cool conversations with him and his staff,” Riley said earlier this week. “Phenomenal people. Upholds the reputation that I’ve always heard about him, so those have been some conversations I’ve appreciated talking ball and about a lot of common people we’ve worked with. We’ve talked USC and he’s been great.

“He’s incredibly complimentary of this place and you guys were around him; you saw the type of human being he is. He’s pretty special. I’ve cherished those times and they’re some of the reasons I most look forward to going to that tournament every year.”