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Joe DeForest named USC Football’s inside linebackers coach to complete staff overhaul

Clay Helton has completed his 2019 coaching staff, announcing Friday that longtime college football assistant Joe DeForest takes over as USC football’s next inside linebackers coach.

DeForest, 53, is an internal promotion, after spending the 2018 season doing quality control for the Trojan defense.

But unlike the previous Helton promotions —most of which have been criticized heavily— DeForest brings a ton of experience as a college football assistant, dating back to 1990.

His career is highlighted by a 10-year stay from 2001 to 2011 as Oklahoma State’s safeties coach, special teams coordinator and associate head coach.