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Clay Helton
Clay Helton
Clay Helton
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Clay Charles Helton (born June 24, 1972) is an American college football coach and former player, who is currently the head coach at Georgia Southern. He was previously the head coach of USC from 2015 to 2021. Helton has also been an assistant coach for Duke, Houston and Memphis. His father, Kim Helton, was a coach in college, the National Football League, and the Canadian Football League; his brother, Tyson, is the head coach at Western Kentucky.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Helton was born on June 24, 1972, in Gainesville, Florida, where his father Kim Helton was a graduate assistant for the Florida Gators football team.[1][2] The Helton family later lived in the Miami, Tampa Bay, and Houston areas, as Kim Helton later coached for the University of Miami, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Houston Oilers.[2] Clay Helton attended Clements High School in Sugar Land, Texas and graduated in 1990.[3]

College playing career

[edit]

After redshirting his freshman year, Helton played college football at Auburn as quarterback. In 1993, Helton transferred to Houston, after his father was hired as head coach there.[1] Helton was a backup quarterback at both Auburn and Houston and graduated from Houston in 1994 with a degree in mathematics and interdisciplinary science.[1][3] At Houston, Helton completed 47 of 87 passes for 420 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions and played 16 games.[4]

Coaching career

[edit]

In 1995, Helton enrolled at Duke University and became a graduate assistant for the Duke Blue Devils football team under Fred Goldsmith. Helton later was promoted as running backs coach in 1996.[3]

Helton joined his father at Houston to be running backs coach in 1997 and remained in that position until 1999, Kim Helton's final season as head coach.[3]

After leaving Houston, Helton joined Rip Scherer's staff at Memphis also as running backs coach. Helton stayed on staff under new coach Tommy West, who replaced Scherer in 2001, and moved to coaching the wide receivers in 2003. By 2007, Helton was promoted to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Players Helton coached at Memphis include DeAngelo Williams, a first-round NFL draft pick in 2005, and 2006 Conference USA All-Freshman pick Duke Calhoun.[3]

USC

[edit]

Helton was hired by USC to be quarterbacks coach in 2010 under Lane Kiffin.[5] In 2013, he was promoted to offensive coordinator.[6] Helton served as the team's interim head coach during their bowl game after their previous interim head coach, Ed Orgeron, resigned following the hiring of Steve Sarkisian. On October 11, 2015, he once again became the interim head coach of the Trojans after head coach Steve Sarkisian took a leave of absence, and was then subsequently fired.[7] On November 30, 2015, USC removed the interim tag and formally named Helton the 23rd head coach in school history.[8] After Helton was named the permanent head coach, USC lost its final two games of the 2015 season to Stanford in the Pac-12 championship game and Wisconsin in the Holiday Bowl. In Helton's first full season as head coach, USC started off 1–3 with losses to Alabama, Stanford, and Utah, but then won its final eight games of the 2016 regular season as well as the Rose Bowl against Penn State to end the season with a record of 10–3 and third place in the AP poll.

In Helton's last full season as head coach, the season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. USC ended with a 5–1 record, with the only loss to Oregon in the Pac-12 championship game.

On September 13, 2021, Helton was relieved of his duties at USC after a loss to Stanford. His buyout was in the $12 million range. Including two stints as the interim head coach, Helton's record was 46-24 as the Trojans' coach, including a Rose Bowl win to cap the 2016 season. USC went 1-1 under Helton in the 2021–22 season.[9]

Georgia Southern

[edit]

On November 2, 2021, Helton was announced as the 11th head coach for Georgia Southern,[10] replacing interim head coach Kevin Whitley.

Head coaching record

[edit]
Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs Coaches# AP°
USC Trojans (Pac-12 Conference) (2013)
2013 USC 1–0[a] 0–0 W Las Vegas 19 19
USC Trojans (Pac-12 Conference) (2015–2021)
2015 USC 5–4[b] 5–2 T–1st (South) L Holiday
2016 USC 10–3 7–2 2nd (South) W Rose† 5 3
2017 USC 11–3 8–1 1st (South) L Cotton† 10 12
2018 USC 5–7 4–5 T–3rd (South)
2019 USC 8–5 7–2 2nd (South) L Holiday
2020 USC 5–1 5–0 1st (South) 21 21
2021 USC 1–1[c] 0–1 (South)
USC: 46–24 36–13
Georgia Southern Eagles (Sun Belt Conference) (2022–present)
2022 Georgia Southern 6–7 3–5 T–4th (East) L Camellia
2023 Georgia Southern 6–7 3–5 T–5th (East) L Myrtle Beach
2024 Georgia Southern 8–5 6–2 2nd (East) L New Orleans
2025 Georgia Southern 3–5 1–3
Georgia Southern: 23–24 13–15
Total: 69–48
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth

Personal life

[edit]

Helton and his wife, Angela, have two sons, Reid and Turner and one daughter, Aubrey.[11] Turner is currently a QB for Georgia Southern, and previously played for Western Kentucky. His brother Tyson Helton is the head coach at Western Kentucky. Their father is former coach Kim Helton.[12]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Clay Helton

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Clay Helton (born June 24, 1972) is an American coach who is the of the Georgia Southern Eagles of the Sun Belt Conference, a position he has held since November 2021. A former who played collegiately at and the , Helton rose through the coaching ranks as an offensive specialist, achieving national prominence during his tenure as of the from 2015 to 2020, where he compiled a 46–24 record and guided the team to a championship in 2017 along with a victory in the . Overall, Helton holds a 70–48 record as a at the level as of November 16, 2025, including a 4–5 start to the 2025 season at Georgia Southern, with a career spanning assistant roles at multiple programs before his head coaching stints. Born in , to —a longtime coach who served as an offensive line coach at institutions including the and the —Clay Helton grew up immersed in the sport. He earned a degree in mathematics and interdisciplinary science from the in 1994, where he spent his final two collegiate seasons as a backup quarterback after transferring from Auburn, appearing in limited action during his playing career. Helton is married to Angela, with whom he has three children: sons and Turner, and daughter ; his younger brother, , is also a prominent coach, currently serving as head coach at . Helton's coaching career began in 1995 as a at under Fred Goldsmith, followed by a promotion to running backs coach there in 1996. He then moved to the as running backs coach from 1997 to 1999 before joining Memphis in 2000, where he spent a decade in various offensive roles: running backs coach (2000–2005), wide receivers coach (2006–2007), and quarterbacks coach/ (2007–2009), helping the Tigers earn five bowl invitations during his tenure. After a brief stint as quarterbacks coach and at Arkansas State in 2010, Helton arrived at USC in 2010 as quarterbacks coach under , eventually ascending to in 2013. At USC, Helton served as interim for the final seven games of the 2015 regular season following the midseason dismissal of , posting a 5–2 record that earned him the permanent role in December 2015. His full seasons as produced notable successes, including a 10–3 campaign in 2016 (7–2 Pac-12) capped by a 52–49 Rose Bowl victory over Penn State, followed by an 11–3 record (8–1 Pac-12) in 2017 that included the Pac-12 title and a berth in the (loss to Ohio State). However, inconsistent performance in later years, including a 5–7 mark in 2018 and early struggles in 2020, led to his dismissal by USC on October 13, 2020, after a 1–2 start. Since taking over at Georgia Southern, Helton has led the Eagles to bowl games in each of his first three seasons: the 2022 Camellia Bowl, 2023 R+L Carriers , and 2024 , with a 24–24 overall record as of November 16, 2025 (including 4–5 in the ongoing 2025 season) that includes victories over ranked opponents like and Appalachian State. Helton continues to emphasize a balanced offensive approach rooted in his extensive experience as a play-caller, contributing to Georgia Southern's development of multiple All-Sun Belt performers and freshmen standouts.

Early life and education

Family background

Clay Helton was born on June 24, 1972, in . Helton's father, , was a longtime offensive line coach whose career spanned both and the , profoundly shaping his son's early life. Kim began coaching at the college level as a graduate assistant at the in 1972, the year Clay was born, and later served as offensive line coach at institutions including the (1973–1978) and offensive coordinator at the (1979–1982), the (head coach, 1993–1999), and the (, 2007–2011). In the , Kim coached offensive lines for the (1983–1986), (1987–1989), (1990–1992), and Washington Redskins (2002–2003). Due to his father's profession, Clay grew up frequently relocating across the and , including moves to and , immersing him in football environments from a young age. Helton's mother, Pam Helton, played a central supportive role in the family, emphasizing the importance of amid the demands of Kim's nomadic coaching schedule; she was reportedly disappointed when Clay graduated early from the to pursue coaching opportunities. The family included a younger brother, , who followed a similar path into football coaching, eventually becoming at . This close-knit family dynamic fostered Clay's early passion for the sport, as he often attended games, practices, and team events with his parents and sibling, gaining firsthand exposure to the coaching world.

High school career

Helton attended in , where he played quarterback on the football team and worked his way up to become the varsity starter during his senior year. Prior to high school, he focused on , but transitioned to football upon arriving at Clements, reflecting his growing interest in the sport amid his family's coaching background. Helton later reflected that he was better suited to strategic aspects of the game than to standout on-field performance during this period. His academic performance and athletic involvement paved the way for him to walk on at after graduation in 1990, drawn by the program's prominence and his father's connections in college football.

College playing career

Auburn Tigers

Clay Helton enrolled at in 1990 as a walk-on following his graduation from in , where he had earned recognition as a standout prep signal-caller. He redshirted his freshman year and spent the 1991 and 1992 seasons as a without seeing any game action or receiving a , remaining at the bottom of a deep depth chart led by starter Stan White. Helton's limited role at Auburn occurred during the final years of Pat Dye's tenure (1981–1992), a period when the Tigers posted records of 5–6 in 1991 and 5–5–1 in 1992 while competing against powerhouse programs like and . He earned 1992 SEC All-Academic honors during his time there. The program's emphasis on recruiting top talent from across the created stiff internal competition at , leaving walk-ons like Helton with few opportunities to break into the rotation despite his dedication in practice. Seeking greater playing time and a familial tie, Helton transferred to the prior to the 1993 season after his father, , was hired as the Cougars' . This move allowed him to contribute more actively in a less competitive environment, marking the end of his stint with Auburn.

Houston Cougars

After transferring from Auburn in 1993 following his father's appointment as head coach at , Clay Helton joined the Cougars as a . He served primarily as a backup during the 1993 and 1994 seasons, lettering both years while appearing in 16 games total. In limited action, Helton completed 47 of 87 passes for 420 yards, one , and four interceptions, including a 1994 campaign where he went 46-for-83 for 417 yards and his lone pass. His appearances were mostly in relief roles, reflecting his supporting position behind starter Jimmy Klingler in 1993 and others in 1994, and he earned team captain honors as a senior that year. During Helton's tenure, the competed in the (SWC), a prominent league featuring powerhouses like and Texas A&M, though the program struggled amid broader SWC challenges including financial issues and competitive imbalances. The 1993 team, in Kim Helton's debut season, finished 1-9-1 overall and 1-5-1 in conference play. The 1994 squad fared similarly, ending 1-10 overall and 1-6 in the SWC, plagued by defensive woes and offensive inconsistencies that limited Helton's opportunities. Their sole win in 1994 came against , 28–21. Helton completed his bachelor's degree in and interdisciplinary from the University of Houston in 1994.

Assistant coaching career

Duke Blue Devils and Houston Cougars

Helton began his coaching career in as a for the team, where he assisted with offensive operations under head coach Fred Goldsmith. The following year, he earned a promotion to running backs coach, a role in which he helped develop the position group amid a challenging 0-11 season for the team. Among the players he coached was Robert Wilson, who led Duke with 115 carries for 390 yards. In 1997, Helton reunited with his father, Kim Helton, who had become head coach at the University of Houston, joining the staff as running backs coach for the Cougars—a position he held through the 1999 season. During this period, Houston posted records of 3-8 in 1997, 2-9 in 1998, and 3-8 in 1999, with Helton contributing to the rushing attack that averaged 4.4 yards per carry across his tenure. Notable among the running backs he mentored was Joffrey Reynolds, who in 1999 rushed for 1,003 yards and 6 touchdowns on 216 carries, marking the team's most productive individual rushing season in years. These early assistant roles at and allowed Helton to draw on his college playing experience as a at , where he had appeared in 14 games from 1993 to 1994, to emphasize fundamental techniques in player development.

Memphis Tigers

In 2000, Clay Helton joined the as running backs coach, marking the start of a decade-long tenure with the Tigers in . During his first three seasons (2000–2002) in this role, he focused on developing the ground game, notably mentoring , who set school records for rushing, scoring, and all-purpose yards while finishing seventh in voting in 2005 and becoming a first-round NFL draft pick by the . Helton transitioned to wide receivers coach from 2003 to 2006, emphasizing the passing attack's growth amid the Tigers' shift toward a more balanced . Under his guidance, the 2003 Memphis squad established school records for receptions and receiving yardage, contributing to a 9–3 regular-season mark and a berth in the . He also tutored standouts like Ryan Scott, the program's fourth all-time leader in receptions, and Calhoun, who earned All-Freshman honors in 2006 and later became Memphis's all-time leading receiver; Calhoun went on to play professionally in the . The Tigers qualified for five bowls during Helton's position-coaching years, including a victory in the 2005 Motor City Bowl. Promoted to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2007, Helton assumed play-calling duties and oversaw record-setting units, with the Tigers ranking in the top 26 nationally in total offense both in 2007 and . That year, Martin Hankins set single-season school marks for completions (261), passing yards (3,220), and touchdowns (25), finishing as the program's second all-time leading passer. Helton also developed Curtis Steele, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in both and 2009, and wide receiver Carlos Singleton, who holds the career record for receiving touchdowns at Memphis and briefly played in the . The 2007 offense supported a 10–4 overall record and another appearance, while the 2008 team earned a St. Petersburg Bowl bid despite a 6–7 finish. These efforts elevated Memphis to consistent contention, with multiple players transitioning to opportunities.

University of Southern California

Clay Helton joined the as s coach in February 2010 under head coach . In this role through the 2012 season, he focused on developing , who threw for over 12,300 yards and 116 touchdowns during his USC career, setting school records for passing efficiency and completions. Helton's coaching emphasized footwork, , and pocket presence, contributing to Barkley's growth into a first-round NFL draft prospect. In February 2013, Kiffin promoted Helton to while retaining play-calling duties himself. After Kiffin's midseason dismissal and Ed Orgeron's interim tenure for the regular season, Helton served as interim for the Las Vegas Bowl, leading USC to a 45-20 victory over Fresno State for a 1-0 record in that role. The following year, under new , Helton continued as through 2015, designing schemes that incorporated spread concepts carried over from his Memphis tenure, blending pro-style elements with increased passing emphasis. USC's offense ranked among the Pac-12 leaders in passing, averaging 227.1 yards per game in 2013 (third in conference attempts at 390) and improving to 296.6 yards per game in 2014 (fourth in conference with quarterback ranking third in completions). Helton excelled in quarterback development and recruitment during his time as offensive coordinator, notably grooming Cody Kessler from a backup to a standout starter. Kessler, recruited by USC in 2012, redshirted before competing for the starting role and leading the Trojans to a 9-4 record in 2014 while earning Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year honors with 4,200 passing yards and 39 touchdowns. Helton's system prioritized quick releases and accuracy, helping Kessler achieve a 69.7% completion rate, the highest in the conference. His recruiting efforts also bolstered USC's quarterback pipeline, including early involvement with future stars like . In October 2015, following Steve Sarkisian's midseason firing amid off-field issues, Helton again became interim , guiding USC to a 5-2 finish that included a Pac-12 South title share and consideration for the Holiday Bowl. On November 30, 2015, after the Trojans' 41-22 win over Notre Dame improved their record to 8-3, athletic director removed the interim tag and promoted Helton to permanent on a five-year contract.

Head coaching career

USC Trojans

Clay Helton was appointed as the permanent head coach of the on November 30, 2015, following a successful interim stint earlier that year after the dismissal of , during which he led the team to a 5-2 record in seven games. This promotion came after Helton guided USC to a Pac-12 Division title in his interim role, earning the endorsement of players and athletic director , who signed him to a five-year contract. Helton's overall record as USC head coach from 2015 to 2021 stood at 46-24, with the Trojans achieving a 31-17 mark in Pac-12 play across those seasons, including two division titles and one conference championship. His tenure began promisingly with the 2016 season, where USC finished 10-3 overall (7-2 in the Pac-12) after starting 1-2 and then winning nine straight games, securing a berth in the Rose Bowl. In that game on January 2, 2017, the Trojans rallied from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Penn State 52-49, marking Helton's first bowl victory and highlighting the team's resilience under his leadership. The 2017 season represented the pinnacle of Helton's USC career, as the Trojans went 11-3 (8-1 Pac-12), clinching the program's first conference title since 2008 with a 31-28 win over Stanford in the championship game before falling 24-7 to Ohio State in the Cotton . However, inconsistencies plagued the program from 2018 onward, exemplified by a 5-7 record (4-5 Pac-12) in 2018 that resulted in USC missing a for the first time since 2000, amid defensive struggles and instability. The 2019 campaign improved to 8-5 (7-2 Pac-12), with notable victories over No. 10 and No. 23 Stanford, but ended with a 47-24 loss to in the Holiday . In 2020, a COVID-19-shortened schedule yielded a 5-1 record (4-1 Pac-12), though the Trojans lost the Pac-12 title game to 31-24. Helton's offensive philosophy emphasized a pro-style passing attack, leveraging play-action and bootlegs to complement a strong running game, which aligned with his background as an offensive coordinator and produced high-efficiency units in his peak years. This approach was instrumental in developing quarterback into a star from 2016 to 2018, who threw for over 7,200 yards and 65 touchdowns while leading USC to 21 wins in those seasons, including the triumph. Recruiting remained a strength under Helton, with top-10 national classes in 2017 and 2018 that brought in blue-chip talents like running back and defensive end , contributing to sustained competitiveness despite later on-field challenges. Helton's tenure ended abruptly on September 13, 2021, when USC fired him after an 0-1 start marked by a 42-28 home loss to Stanford, amid mounting pressure from fans, boosters, and new , who cited the need for a "change in leadership" to elevate the program. Cornerbacks coach served as interim for the remainder of the season. In a poignant return to as Georgia Southern's , Helton faced USC on September 6, 2025, where the Trojans dominated with a 59-20 victory.

Georgia Southern Eagles

On November 2, 2021, Clay Helton was hired as the head coach of the team, signing a five-year contract averaging $800,000 annually. This appointment came shortly after his dismissal from USC and marked his return to the Sun Belt Conference, where he aimed to revitalize a program that had struggled since transitioning to FBS in 2014. In his debut 2022 season, Helton led the Eagles to a 6-7 overall record and 3-5 in conference play, securing their first bowl appearance under his tenure in the Camellia Bowl, though they fell 23-21 to Buffalo. The team showed promise with upset wins, including a 45-3 victory over , highlighting Helton's emphasis on disciplined execution and player development early in his rebuild. Building on this momentum, the Eagles qualified for bowls in each of his first three seasons, demonstrating consistent postseason eligibility in a competitive landscape. The 2023 and 2024 seasons resulted in a combined 14-12 record, with the Eagles finishing 6-7 in 2023 (losing 41-21 to in the ) and improving to 8-5 in 2024 (their best mark under Helton, capped by a 31-26 loss to in the ). Helton adapted the offense to a multiple scheme, blending elements of his pro-style USC background—such as spread concepts and mobility—with nods to Georgia Southern's triple-option heritage, fostering greater balance and competitiveness through enhanced passing efficiency. Overall, from 2022 to 2024, the program achieved a 20-19 record, reflecting steady progress in a division known for parity. As of November 16, 2025, the ongoing 2025 season stands at 5-5 overall and 3-3 in the Sun Belt, including a 59-20 non-conference loss to USC on September 6 and a 45-40 victory over Coastal Carolina on November 15 that tested the team's resilience against a Power Four opponent. Helton's recruiting strategy has shifted toward regional talent in the Southeast, particularly Georgia high schools, yielding 61 signees over three cycles and bolstering depth with local prospects suited to the program's evolving schemes. This approach, combined with offensive innovations like hybrid formations that integrate run-option reads with aerial threats, has elevated the Eagles' scoring average to over 30 points per game in recent years. Under Helton, Georgia Southern has undergone notable program culture changes, emphasizing academic success, , and a "blue-collar" mentality to foster team unity and fan support, which contributed to a 2024 contract extension through 2029. Facility enhancements, including the 2022 groundbreaking for a $15 million indoor practice complex, have supported year-round training and recruitment efforts, signaling institutional investment in the program's long-term revival. These developments have positioned the Eagles as a rising contender, with Helton's leadership earning praise for stabilizing and elevating a once-stagnant FBS transition program.

Coaching record and accomplishments

Head coaching statistics

Clay Helton compiled an overall FBS head coaching record of 71–48 (.597) through November 16, 2025. At USC, his teams posted a 46–24 (.657) mark, including a 36–13 record in play and a 2–4 record. At Georgia Southern, his record stands at 25–24 (.510) after three full seasons and a partial 2025 campaign, with a 15–15 mark.
YearTeamOverallConferenceConference StandingBowl Result
2013USC (interim)1–0——W: Las Vegas Bowl (45–20 vs. Fresno State)
2015USC (partial)5–43–34th (Pac-12 South)L: Holiday Bowl (23–47 vs. Wisconsin)
2016USC10–37–21st (Pac-12 South)W: Rose Bowl (52–49 vs. Penn State)
2017USC11–38–11st (Pac-12 South; Pac-12 Champion)L: Cotton Bowl (24–31 vs. Ohio State)
2018USC5–74–54th (Pac-12 South)Ineligible
2019USC8–55–43rd (Pac-12 South)L: Holiday Bowl (42–47 vs. Utah)
2020USC (shortened)5–15–13rd (Pac-12)None (COVID-19)
2021USC (partial)1–10–1—None
2022Georgia Southern6–73–5T–3rd (Sun Belt East)L: Camellia Bowl (10–23 vs. Buffalo)
2023Georgia Southern6–73–5T–4th (Sun Belt East)L: Myrtle Beach Bowl (21–41 vs. Ohio)
2024Georgia Southern8–56–22nd (Sun Belt East)L: R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (26–31 vs. Sam Houston)
2025Georgia Southern (partial, through Nov. 16)5–53–3TBD (Sun Belt)None (season in progress)

Awards and honors

During his tenure as head coach at the University of Southern California (USC), Clay Helton led the Trojans to the 2017 Rose Bowl victory over Penn State, marking their first appearance and win in the game since 2009. This triumph capped a remarkable nine-game winning streak to end the 2016 season and contributed to USC's overall success in postseason play. Helton earned the Associated Press (AP) Pac-12 Coach of the Year award in 2017, recognizing his leadership in guiding USC to an 11-3 record, a Pac-12 Championship Game appearance, and victories over multiple ranked opponents. He was also a finalist for the Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award in both 2016 and 2017, highlighting his role in revitalizing the program after taking over as interim coach mid-season in 2015. Additionally, in 2016, Helton received the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) First-Year Coach of the Year honor (co-recipient) and was named Los Angeles' Coach of the Year by the LA Sports Awards. In 2019, he was selected as the Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week for a significant win over then-No. 10 Utah. At in the Sun Belt Conference, Helton has not received a Coach of the Year accolade as of 2025, though his teams have qualified for games in each of his first , including a 6-2 conference record in 2024. Key milestones in his head coaching career include securing two bowl victories at USC: the 2013 over Fresno State and the 2017 over Penn State. Helton's coaching has been reflected in the professional success of his players, particularly at USC, where he developed numerous NFL talents, including quarterback Sam Darnold (selected third overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft) and cornerback Adoree' Jackson (fifth overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2017). Other notable draftees under his guidance include wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (second round, 2017) and running back Ronald Jones II (second round, 2019), underscoring his impact on player preparation for the pros.

Personal life

Family

Clay Helton married his high school sweetheart, Angela Helton, in 1995 shortly after graduating from the . The couple has three children: sons Reid and Turner, and daughter Aubrey. Reid, the eldest son, graduated from the in 2020 and played defensive tackle on the football team. Turner followed in his father's footsteps as a , playing collegiately at from 2022 to 2024 before transferring to , where he has appeared in games during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Helton's family provided steadfast support amid his career transitions, including the 2021 relocation from USC to Georgia Southern, a move Helton later described as a blessing discussed openly with Angela during a period of personal dissatisfaction. By 2022, the family had become empty nesters as their children pursued independent paths. Helton's father, , a longtime coach who led programs at institutions including the , remains a significant influence, having shaped Clay's early involvement in the sport. Helton's younger brother, Tyson, is the head football coach at .

Community involvement

Clay Helton, alongside his wife Angela, established the Clay and Angela Helton Foundation, which focuses on supporting homeless youth in through various aid programs. The foundation has contributed to organizations like Safe Place for Youth, providing resources for at-risk young people during challenging times, including the . Additionally, Helton participated as a VIP in the 2017 Tour de Pier stationary cycling fundraiser, which raised $1.2 million for cancer research initiatives benefiting the Hirshberg Foundation, Uncle Kory Foundation, and Cancer Support Community Redondo Beach. Since joining in 2021, Helton has resided in , fostering strong local community ties through events like speaking engagements with the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro, where he shared insights on team development and community support. He has actively hosted youth football camps and clinics, including the annual Clay Helton Elite Football Camp, which in June 2025 attracted over 500 high school, , and transfer athletes, offering skill-building opportunities and exposure for emerging players. These camps emphasize player development and serve as a platform for in Statesboro. In public appearances following his 2021 departure from USC, Helton has emphasized resilience and gratitude, notably in a 2025 interview upon returning to the with Georgia Southern, where he expressed peace with his past and appreciation for his professional journey. His 2025 initiatives at Georgia Southern include expanded player development programs through the elite camps, aimed at holistic growth for young athletes in the region.

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  35. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/southern-california/2013.html
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  39. https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/uscnow/la-sp-usc-cody-kessler-tradition-preparation-colorado-20151111-story.html
  40. https://www.espn.com/college-football/stats/player/_/season/2014/group/9
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  45. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4199918/2021/09/13/usc-coach-clay-helton-fired-after-posting-46-24-record-into-7th-season/
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  51. https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401752814
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  54. https://gseagles.com/sports/football/schedule/2022
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