University of Memphis Athletics
Clay Helton Promoted to Offensive Coordinator
Jan 29, 2007 | Football
Jan. 29, 2007
MEMPHIS, TENN. - Long-time University of Memphis assistant coach Clay Helton has been promoted to offensive coordinator as announced today by Coach Tommy West. Helton replaces Randy Fichtner who is expected to sign a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers early this week.
Helton recently completed his seventh season with the Tigers, having served the last three years as assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator. He came to Memphis in 2000 and worked with Tiger running backs his first three seasons before shifting to receivers in 2003. In 2002, he helped develop tailback DeAngelo Williams into one of the nation's top backs as Williams finished his freshman season ranked fifth in the country in yards per carry.
In the last four seasons, Helton has helped develop some of the Tigers' top receiving talent, including Darron White (2001-04) who ranks second all-time in receptions with 137 and fifth in yards with 1,649. In that same time frame, Tavares Gideon (2002, 2004) set the school record for career touchdown receptions with 19. Most recently, Helton has worked with such noted receivers as Maurice Avery and Ryan Scott who also are listed in the Tiger record books for their impressive receiving numbers.
"I am pleased to announce that we have elevated Clay to offensive coordinator," said West. "He is a tireless recruiter who has an incredible work ethic and shares the same dedication that I have in taking this program to the next level. He has certainly earned this opportunity and I am very proud for him."
"With Clay, we will continue to build upon the success that this offense has seen the last several years," added West. "I am committed to this offense becoming the most exciting, productive offense in the country."
For the last seven years, the Tiger offense has practically rewritten the U of M record book. In fact, the top five records for passing touchdowns in a season are all held by teams under the spread system, including the all-time record of 25 set by a Danny Wimprine-driven 2004 squad. Tiger quarterbacks also account for a majority of the top five records in most passing categories in the all-time record book as Wimprine holds the school record in completions (808), attempts (1469), passing yards (10,215) and touchdown passes (81). Martin Hankins, who was the Tiger signal caller in 2006, finished his first season ranked third for completions in a season with 226 as well as fourth in season yardage (2,550), touchdowns (18) and completion percentage (59.9).
Fichtner is leaving the U of M after six years on the staff as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He will work with the wide receivers in his new position with the Steelers.
"I am happy for Randy and appreciate his contributions to this program," said West. "This is a great opportunity for him as he has the chance to go back home and work with one of his best friends (Mike Tomlin)."
Tomlin, who worked as an assistant coach for the Tigers in 1996, also previously served as an assistant coach, along with Fichtner, at Arkansas State from 1997-98. Fichtner will also join another Memphis connection in Pittsburgh as former Memphis All-American linebacker and assistant coach Keith Butler is also on the Steelers' staff.
"This is an opportunity that I couldn't pass up," said Fichtner. "I was raised in the Pittsburgh area and still have family there, so this is a chance to go back home. I appreciate the opportunity that Coach West gave me. I have enjoyed Memphis and am proud of our accomplishments. This is a program that will continue to move forward."
