Helton seems like a fine coach but I would think that USC expects more than fine. Maybe it is just Saban, Meyer, Dabo even Jimbo (prior to this year) raising the bar but in the time that Helton has been there USC hasn't looked close to those schools, and not just because of talent, but because of some poor play calling and decision making. I thought the play calling, on both sides of the ball, was very suspect against Texas (but what do I know).
Perhaps you are right though and with more of his guys USC will look better. I just think that a school like USC should be right at the top of the heap in terms of talent and coaching and I don't see it so far with Helton in terms of being a top guy.