Whether or not former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer returns to the sideline in the near future remains to be seen, but many believe USC to be at the top of his list if the Trojans eventually fire Clay Helton.
However, if it’s up to USC president Carol Folt — who would certainly have a voice in those discussions — Meyer won’t be leading the Trojans into battle under her watch. At least that’s what Sports By Brooks’ Brooks Melchior reported on Wednesday afternoon.
Sources: SportsbyBrooks has learned USC President Carol Folt does not want to hire Urban Meyer and pressure is mounting on old guard USC Trustees to stand down on pushing Meyer. New info on my @Fancred show at noon ET. From your phone/tablet, DL app here: https://t.co/5XZwt85xyc.
— Sports by Brooks (@SportsbyBrooks) September 18, 2019
“In the last two days, I’ve been canvasing my sources locally here in Los Angeles,” Melchior said on his video podcast FanCred. “I’ve been told Folt wants nothing to do with Urban Meyer.
“Does that mean he won’t be hired? At a school that has Al Cowlings name on one of the dormitories, O.J. Simpson’s driver in the Bronco. Why is his name on a dorm? His name is on the dorm because USC booster Wayne Hughes said to put it on there. Wayne Hughes has given USC upwards of almost $400 million and he’s done it almost anonymously. Clay Helton’s future hangs in the balance week-to-week, he could be fired at any moment.”
As Melchior suggests, there could very well be a power struggle at USC between the president and the boosters if Helton is fired and Meyer does decide he wants to coach again. Of course, it could all be a moot point if Meyer remains happy with his non-coaching position at Ohio State.
USC is 2-1 this season following a 30-27 overtime loss to BYU on Sept. 14. And if the Trojans are embarrassed by Utah this Friday — coincidentally in front of Meyer, who will be a part of FOX Sports’ pregame show outside of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum — it could be the final straw for Helton.
“When I say embarrassed, I mean beaten by several touchdowns at home,” Melchior said. “I’m also hearing from my sources that the bye week before Notre Dame (Oct. 12) is a week to look at if you’re wondering about Helton’s departure at USC.”
