- Program
- Georgia Southern
- Level
- FBS
- In Role Since
- 2021
- Conference
- Sun Belt
- Education
- Houston, 1994 (Mathematics & Interdisciplinary Science)
Profile
Named Georgia Southern’s 11th full-time head coach on Nov. 2, 2021, Helton led the Eagles in his first season to road wins at Nebraska and a ranked James Madison team and secured a Camellia Bowl berth after beating Appalachian State in double overtime. Helton had previously gone 46-24 as USC’s head coach, including a 2016 Rose Bowl championship and a 2017 Pac-12 title, and his USC tenure produced 12 wins over AP Top 25 teams and multiple first-round NFL draft picks.
Coaching Approach
Pass-oriented offensive pedigree and quarterback development: Georgia Southern’s passing offense finished in the top five nationally in yards per game in Helton’s first season and transfer QB Kyle Vantrease broke numerous single-season and career Sun Belt and school passing records; Helton’s background includes years as USC’s passing game coordinator and offensive coordinator, supporting sustained emphasis on the passing attack.
Career Highlights
- Named Georgia Southern head coach on Nov. 2, 2021
- Led USC to the 2016 Rose Bowl title and a 2016 season that culminated in a 52-49 Rose Bowl win over No. 5 Penn State
- Georgia Southern passing offense finished top five nationally in yards per game in his first season and transfer QB Kyle Vantrease broke multiple Sun Belt and school passing records
Sources
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