USC Fires Head Coach Steve Sarkisian
Just one say after USC requested head coach Steve Sarkisian take a leave of absence, the program has announced a new path. Steve Sarkisian has been fired, effective immediately, from his role as USC’s head football coach. Athletic Director Pat Haden, who originally hired Sarkisian to revive the Trojans program, made the official announcement this afternoon. Clay Helton has taken over as the interim head coach for the 3-2 USC squad.
USC athletic director Pat Haden announces the termination of Steve Sarkisian as head football coach: http://t.co/KrqKSEf2hG
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) October 12, 2015
Sarkisian had taken a leave of absence Sunday to address his alcoholism, which has come into the public light as of the past couple months. Less than two months ago, Sarkisian was removed from a stage at a USC pep rally heading towards the programs season opener. The 41-year old coach said he had mixed alcohol and medication prior to the incident, and that it would never happen again.
Athletic Director Pat Haden said this of Sarkisian after announcing his firing:
"After careful consideration of what is in the best interest of the university and our student-athletes, I have made the decision to terminate Steve Sarkisian, effective immediately. I want to thank Clay Helton for stepping into the interim head coach role, and I want to add how proud I am of our coaching staff and players and the way they are responding to this difficult situation. Through all of this we remain concerned for Steve and hope that it will give him the opportunity to focus on his personal well being."
Inside USC reported earlier this week that the incident at the rally was not the first for Sarkisian. They reported that Sarkisian was drunk at player meetings and during a previous game this year. Former players say he was found passed out on the team’s plane last year following a game and was clearly intoxicated. Sarkisian was also known to have liquor in the locker room and his office.
BREAKING: Players noticed Steve Sarkisian not sober at special teams meeting this morning #USC
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) October 11, 2015
BREAKING: Some #USC assistant coaches believed Steve Sarkisian was drunk during the Arizona State game on Sept. 26.
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) October 11, 2015
This is Athletic Director Pat Haden’s third midseason firing of his tenure (Lane Kiffin, Steve Sarkisian, Kevin O’Neill). After the team got off to a decent start, many believed the program was finally heading in the right direction.
The hope is that Sarkisian can now focus on recovery and not on football. His health is clearly first and foremost the most important thing in his life.
USC will face Notre Dame this weekend under the leadership of coach Clay Helton.