USC Trojans fire head football coach Clay Helton

USC football coach Clay Helton has been fired, athletic director Mike Bohn announced Monday.

The decision comes two days after the Trojans, who came into the season with conference-title aspirations, were embarrassed in a 42-28 home defeat to Stanford.

"Clay is one of the finest human being I have met in this industry, and he has been a tremendous role model and mentor to our young me," said Bohn, in a statement announcing the dismissal. "We appreciate his many years of service to our university and wish him nothing but the very best."

Donte Williams will serve as the interim head coach. Williams joined the USC staff in 2020 as the cornerbacks coach and defensive pass game coordinator and was…