USC Fires Defensive Coordinator, Special Teams Coach Following Holiday Bowl Loss

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — The USC Trojans parted ways with defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast and special teams coordinator/tight ends coach John Baxter, the school announced Saturday.

"I want to thank Coach Pendergast and Coach Baxter for their dedicated service and efforts," USC Head Coach Clay Helton said in a statement. "However, in evaluating our team's performance this year and after consulting with (Athletic Director) Mike Bohn, it is evident that these changes are necessary.

"Although we did fight through adversity all season and we showed improvement over the previous year, my coaching staff and I fell short of fielding a championship team. We are taking immediate steps to improve our competitiveness and meet the winning expectations of our student-athletes and fans."

The Trojan defense allowed more than 29 points per game this year and ranked 77th nationally in total defense. The team ended its disappointing 8-5 season with a 49-24 loss to Iowa in Friday night's Holiday Bowl.

Earlier this month, Bohn announced Helton would remain the team's head coach.