Clay Helton met with boos from USC fans in return to Coliseum

Before Clay Helton made his return to the Coliseum on Saturday, Lincoln Riley called for USC fans to show their appreciation. However, the former Trojans coach still received boos from the fans in attendance.

Helton, now at Georgia State, got a smattering of boos as his team ran out of the tunnel and USC announced him as the visiting coach – meant as a sign of respect. Saturday marks his first game back at the Coliseum since his departure just a few games into the 2021 season. After that year, Riley replaced him as head coach.

Helton later latched on at Georgia State in 2022, where he has a .500 record at the helm. Prior to the game, though, Riley spoke highly of his predecessor and the relationship the two have.

Clay Helton returns to the Coliseum and is met with boos pic.twitter.com/MapCVNVzoS

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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. He told reporters he wanted fans to express their appreciation for the former coach considering his seven seasons in Los Angeles.

“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.”

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.