Since 2022
Led USC to a Rose Bowl title in 2016 before being fired in 2021; hired by Georgia Southern weeks later. Has quietly rebuilt the program into a consistent bowl team — 27-25 over four seasons with four straight bowl appearances, including an 8-5 2024 season that was the Eagles' best since 2020, earning him a raise to $1M annually.
Record & context
Lifetime record73–49 (FBS, multiple programs)
Current program5th season at Georgia Southern
Years in system—
ATS contextNo single published career ATS figure 2025 finished 7-6, capped by a Birmingham Bowl win over Appalachian State. Georgia Southern has reached a bowl in all four seasons under Helton — a real, sustained level of competence that's kept the program relevant in the Sun Belt East.
Previous season7-6 (Sun Belt)
Compensation
Salary$1.0M
SourceCoach salary per ESPN (5-yr extension through 2029 signed Feb. 2025, averaging $1M annually with performance incentives up to $100K for a Sun Belt title or National Coach of the Ye
Designationreported
Confidence—
Figures are labeled by designation. Estimated values are not official contract terms.