Tee Martin reportedly out as USC football offensive coordinator

Offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Tee Martin will not return to USC football in 2019, according to a report from Zach Barnett of Football Scoop.

Clay Helton is apparently taking an ax to USC football’s coaching staff in a bid to repair the damage of a 5-7 season, and offensive coordinator Tee Martin is the latest on the chopping block.

Martin “will not return as USC’s offensive coordinator,” Zach Barnett of Football Scoop reported on Tuesday. Ryan Abraham of USCFootball.com and Adam Maya of TrojansSports.com also reported the departure.

One of USC’s longest-tenured assistants, Martin was appointed offensive coordinator by head coach Clay Helton when his interim tag was removed. Martin has been an accomplished wide receivers coach for the Trojans since 2012 and his elevation to offensive coordinator was not unexpected.

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However, Martin’s rising star dimmed as USC’s offense didn’t exactly live up to expectations. Though Sam Darnold and the Trojans put up big numbers in Martin’s first two season at the helm, cracks were already showing in 2017. When Darnold left for the NFL in 2018, the offense stagnated and Martin’s playcalling duties were stripped.

Given the demotion, Martin seemed liked to depart after the season, but hope still remained that he might be willing to retain his role as wide receivers coach and stay on as a valued recruiter.

It’s now clear that possibility is no more, which could be a major blow to USC’s recruiting efforts going forward. Martin was one of the nation’s top assistants when it came to pulling in high school talent. Though his contributions on offense can be upgraded on, his recruiting prowess will be difficult to replace.

Martin is one of several assistants who are leaving the program.

On Monday it was reported that quarterbacks coach Bryan Ellis was expected to take the offensive coordinator position at Western Kentucky.

On Tuesday, defensive line coach Kenechi Udeze announced that he would not return to USC for 2019. Later, defensive backs coach Ronnie Bradford was also reported to be removed from his post.

Helton and athletic director Lynn Swann hinted at major change in the program and Tuesday has shown them ready to follow through on that on the coaching staff at least.