USC's Clay Helton: Players Go Crazy for Coach ... During Official Announcement

The USC football team was FIRED UP when they were officially told Clay Helton will be the permanent head coach ... swarming the guy during an epic team celebration.

USC athletic director Pat Haden broke the news to the players during a team meeting -- and everyone went crazy ... swarming Helton and chanting his name.

Helton was reportedly signed to a 3 year deal after USC stomped all over UCLA this weekend ... the 5th win he's racked up since taking over for Steve Sarkisian.