Watch: USC Trojans react to Clay Helton being named head coach

USC named Clay Helton its permanent head coach Monday, and the news was met with a great deal of excitement from the team.

USCnamed Clay Helton its permanent head coach Monday, and the team didn't hide its excitement. 

Players greeted the announcement with cheers and a standing ovation before circling the new coach while cheering his name. 

The Trojans signed Helton to a three-year contract with a two-year option to extend the deal to five years, reports ESPN’s Brett McMurphy.

Helton took over the head coaching position from Steve Sarkisian on an interim basis in October. He led the Trojans to a 5–2 record and a spot in the Pac-12 conference championship game.

• SCHNELL: USC makes right coaching decision with Clay Helton

Helton has been with the Trojans since 2010, having also served as offensive coordinator, passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He played quarterback at Auburn and Houston from 1990–94.

You can watch the full reaction below:

- Rohan Nadkarni and Xandria James