I think you're confusing "not having money" with "willing to spend money". Miami was paying Richt more than $4.5 mil per year which put his salary in the top 15 category amongst coaches. Manny's not making as much as he doesn't have as much experience. And given the results, I still think...
Ok, what data do you have to say otherwise? I know that the ACC has a contract with Miami that pays it north of $20 mil annually. Let's also talk about the Adidas contract that Miami. To say the university is broke, which you're eluding to, is idiotic.
With the talent that USC has access to with little competition as the big schools are out East (Clemson, Bama, UGA, Ohio State, etc...), they should be doing significantly better then they are now. Helton is certainly underachieving.