[OutsiderFan]

USC is highly unlikely to fire Helton.  His buyout is $20 million this year, and who know what his assistants will cost. They don't have a President currently.  And they face all kinds of lawsuit damages they must pay from what I gather.

If they were to can Helton now, it would cost north of $20 Million. A new coach that would be worthy would command at least $20 million, and probably more given what Jimbo got at Texas A&M.  Agents are going to say "USC is a bigger deal than Texas A&M, and you want my guy to take less than the Aggies paid for their coach?" And the agent will add "you guys have had 4 head coaches in last decade, so if you want my guy to take that risk you will need to pay up and that means front."

It doesn't stop there. USC would have to hire a successful coach from somewhere else, with a track record for winning. That would also carry a large buyout to pry said coach away. Buyouts these days can easily be $20 million for top coaches. 

Maybe they could hire a Dino Babers. He would actually be affordable. But does USC want a coach who just got waxed by Notre Dame and couldn't win the division opposite Clemson?

[OutsiderFan]

USC is highly unlikely to fire Helton.  His buyout is $20 million this year, and who know what his assistants will cost. They don't have a President currently.  And they face all kinds of lawsuit damages they must pay from what I gather.

If they were to can Helton now, it would cost north of $20 Million. A new coach that would be worthy would command at least $20 million, and probably more given what Jimbo got at Texas A&M.  Agents are going to say "USC is a bigger deal than Texas A&M, and you want my guy to take less than the Aggies paid for their coach?" And the agent will add "you guys have had 4 head coaches in last decade, so if you want my guy to take that risk you will need to pay up and that means front."

It doesn't stop there. USC would have to hire a successful coach from somewhere else, with a track record for winning. That would also carry a large buyout to pry said coach away. Buyouts these days can easily be $20 million for top coaches. 

Maybe they could hire a Dino Babers. He would actually be affordable. But does USC want a coach who just got waxed by Notre Dame and couldn't win the division opposite Clemson?