One day after putting head coach Steve Sarkisian on leave, USC fires him
Sports
One day after putting head coach Steve Sarkisian on leave, USC fires him
University of Southern California athletic director Pat Haden fired Steve Sarkisian after determining that the head football coach showed up at the school in no condition to lead practice. USC hasn’t elaborated on Sarkisian’s problems, but the second-year coach had an embarrassing public display in August at a pep rally where he appeared to be intoxicated while giving a speech. Sarkisian later apologized and said he had combined alcohol and medication, but promised not to drink again during the season.
This is an opportunity for Sark to get right and to get well. We’re pulling for him.
Pete Carroll, former head coach of USC
Sarkisian was hired a year ago to revive the Trojans. He went 12-6 at USC, where he started as an assistant coach under Pete Carroll with the program’s dominant teams of the past decade. Offensive coordinator Clay Helton was appointed as interim coach on Sunday. He will officially lead his first practice Tuesday as the Trojans prepare for their annual rivalry game at No. 14 Notre Dame.
