John Harbaugh Believed To Be Among USC’s Top HC Candidates If They Fire Clay Helton

Update:

USC announced Sunday that they will not be making a head-coaching change.

“Clay Helton is our head coach and he will continue to be our head coach.”

USC AD Lynn Swann explains his decision in a letter to the #TrojanFamily. #FightOn pic.twitter.com/wjr1VMv28w

— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) November 25, 2018

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Ravens HC John Harbaugh is believed to be among USC’s top-three head coaching candidates if they fire Clay Helton.

According to Rapoport, Harbaugh joins Jack Del Rio and Penn State HC James Franklin as names to watch for USC.

One issue with USC hiring Harbaugh is that they would have to wait until the NFL season is over, which could impact their ability to land a college coaching candidate.

Last week, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that the Ravens and Harbaugh are likely headed to a “mutual parting of the ways” in 2019. However, Harbaugh is not in any jeopardy of being replaced midseason.

Several sources close to the situation have told La Canfora that the odds of Harbaugh return for the 2019 season are “quite bleak” and the team appears to be headed towards a potential roster overhaul under new GM Eric DeCosta.

La Canfora compared the situation to the Eagles parting ways with Andy Reid.

While he may not be back in Baltimore next year, La Canfora says that Harbaugh poised to become a “highly-coveted” coaching candidate for both NFL or NCAA jobs.

Harbaugh, 56, began his NFL coaching career with the Eagles in 1998 as their special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach. He spent 10 years in Philadelphia before he was hired as the Ravens’ head coach in 2008.

During his nine years with the team, Harbaugh has led them to a record of 99-71 (58.2 percent), which includes six playoff appearances and one Super Bowl championship in 2012.

We’ll have more regarding Harbaugh as the news is available.