USC, Clay Helton agree to 5-year contract

USC athletic director Pat Haden has named Clay Helton the school's head coach, and added that it's a five-year guaranteed contract.

Helton took over the Trojans' coaching job on an interim basis after Steve Sarkisian was fired in October.

Earlier in the week, reports indicated USC reached out to current Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly, but Haden is confident with Helton in charge.

"After weeks of searching the collegiate and pro ranks, interviewing candidates, and speaking with head coaches, athletic directors, NFL executives, and very knowledgeable football people, and after observing Clay in action the past seven weeks, it became abundantly clear that what we were searching for in a coach was right here in front of us," Haden said in a release.

"Choosing a coach is an inexact science. In Clay's case, there is exactness. We have a man with unquestioned integrity. He is a fantastic person and he is real. Clay is a leader of young men. He is a terrific communicator. He brings high character, stability, continuity, consistency, toughness, and resiliency to our program."

The Trojans had interest in Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson before deciding on Helton, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN.

In seven games, Helton led the Trojans to a 5-2 record. They'll take on Stanford in the Pac-12 championship game Saturday. It's safe to say his players are excited he's sticking around.