USC football offensive coordinator Clay Helton will handle play calling duties this season, Steve Sarkisian revealed Saturday.

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“I love calling plays, that’s why I do what I do,” Sarkisian said. “That being said I want to be a great head coach. I don’t want to set offensive records and win eight games. I want to win 13 games and 14 games.”

In order to do that, Sarkisian said he needs to focus more on being the head coach. That includes being at defensive and special teams meetings, which would give him a better sense of his team as a whole.

Sarkisian noted that during Saturday’s mock game, he was able talk to the officials more and got to celebrate with Iman Marshall when he nabbed an interception without having to worry about getting the offense going on the ensuing drive. He also said it would benefit him to be able to give input to Justin Wilcox about the defense throughout the game.

That is not to say that Sarkisian will be completely removed from play calling. He still plans to give input, especially with regard to third downs and red zone situations.

With the change in responsibilities, which has been in the works since the spring, Helton will move from the coaches’ box to the sideline, while Tee Martin will take his place looking over the field from above.

Helton handled play calling under Ed Orgeron after Lane Kiffin was fired in 2013 and it has long been questioned about whether he should retain those duties.