Report: USC head coach Steve Sarkisian fired
Steve Sarkisian has been relieved of his duties at USC’s head coach, six weeks into his second season.
Steve Sarkisian officially fired, effective immediately.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 12, 2015
Sarkisian struggles with alcohol addiction have been well-documented and it appears USC athletic director Pat Haden was tired of second chances.
Widely-considered the preseason Pac 12 favorite with senior quarterback Cody Kessler, a rocky 3-2 start highlighted by a home loss to Washington last week sped up the process.
Haden’s comments according to the school’s official release:
“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.”