Steve Sarkisian Gives Up Play Calling, Social Media Reacts

You asked for it, Trojan fans, and now you’re getting it. Steve Sarkisian revealed Saturday that USC football offensive coordinator Clay Helton will handle play calling duties this season, eliciting a flood of approval from social media.

Sarkisian called plays in 2014 with decent results. After all, Cody Kessler set records at quarterback. However, the Trojan offense outside of the numbers was often frustrating and ranked sixth in the Pac-12 in total offense. More importantly, they failed to move the chains at key moments in close games.

Helton called plays in 2013 when Ed Orgeron replaced Lane Kiffin midway through the season and generally received praise for the way he directed the Trojan offense.

When Sarkisian retained Helton on staff, there was a good portion of the Trojan fan base who believed the offensive coordinator should keep his role.

Now he has his chance to prove them right.

Here’s a look at how the Twittersphere reacted to the news:

Sarkisian has been developing the plan to cede play-calling duties to Helton since spring football. Helton will coach from the sideline.
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) August 29, 2015

Sarkisian said he brought up play calling with staff and decided he wanted to be more involved with being head coach, not buried in chart.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) August 29, 2015

Honestly, thought Helton was very good at calling plays when Orgeron was interim HC. Underrated part of O's success. https://t.co/DCtIABB6ZK
— Max Meyer (@TheMaxMeyer) August 29, 2015

@ReignofTroy It's smart by Sark to delegate that responsibility, but now we know who the scapegoat will be if USC has a disappointing year.
— Max Meyer (@TheMaxMeyer) August 30, 2015

As happy as I was when they pulled Kiffin off the bus https://t.co/6qpUfL5dgN
— ?8/24?♠️ (@JuustWright) August 30, 2015

@ReignofTroy Helton knows what he's doing. As the head coach, Sark SHOULD be more involved in all aspects.
— No Use for A Name (@mikeufc) August 30, 2015

@ReignofTroy a no brainer. Should have happened last year.
— glettybee (@glettybee) August 30, 2015

@ReignofTroy Overall a good thing. This could help with offensive and defensive game plan adjustments.
— Grant Dixon (@GrantDix_Arc) August 30, 2015

Clay Helton calling plays is enormous for #USC. It also now will ensure #FireHelton trends at some point this season because fans.
— Michael Castillo (@MichaelCastFS) August 29, 2015

This is a good step IMO. OC Clay Helton is quality play-caller. https://t.co/ah7LD78yr0
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) August 29, 2015

What say you? Are you excited about Helton calling plays in 2015? Sound off in the comments below.

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