Do you agree with USC’s hiring of Clay Helton as head football coach? [Poll]

USC avoided what could have been a long, grueling search for a new head football coach Monday by giving the job to Clay Helton, the guy who has held the reins for the Trojans on an interim basis since Steve Sarkisian was fired last month.

During that stretch, Helton has led the team to a 5-2 record and into this weekend's Pac-12 championship game against Stanford. Many Trojan players have been publicly lobbying for Helton to get the permanent job, so perhaps this announcement will provide a boost going into such a big game.

“Clay was not hired because his team defeated UCLA Saturday. He was not hired because many current and former players voiced their support for him. And he was not hired because he is a Trojan," Athletic Director Pat Haden said in a statement. "He is our choice because we believe he can win Pac-12 and national championships here. Clay Helton is the right man at the right time for the USC football program.�

Reaction among current and former players and coaches seems positive. Still, maybe Helton isn't the big name that some Trojans fans may have wanted. Or maybe some might have preferred USC wait until after the Pac-12 title game and whichever bowl game the team lands in before making such a big decision.

What do you think?