LOS ANGELES >> Coaches have notoriously big egos, but USC’s play-calling seems to be thriving with a unique system that requires teamwork throughout the game.
Offensive coordinator Tee Martin calls plays on first and second down. If third down is a passing situation, quarterbacks coach Tyson Helton calls the play while his brother, USC coach Clay Helton, offers input between drives.
This is unique, to say the least. Former USC coach Pete Carroll got so concerned about the glowing reputation of his offensive coordinator, Norm Chow, that Carroll started trying to help run the offense.
“I didn’t want recruits to think if Norm left that our offense would fall apart,” Carroll said.