Los Angeles, CA – The University of Southern California fired baseball head coach Frank Cruz on Wednesday for knowingly violating NCAA Countable Athletically-Related Activities rules for limits on practice time and organized team activities.
The CARA rules restrict the number of hours student-athletes can spend on activities directed or supervised by the coaching staff.
Additionally, USC has self-imposed a reduction in the number of practice session hours for the baseball team for both this season and next year.
"Adhering to all NCAA rules is paramount for each one of our coaches, student- athletes and staff members," USC athletic director Pat Haden said. "Those who knowingly break NCAA rules are subject to termination."
Associate head coach Dan Hubbs will take over full duties as head coach. Hubbs, a former All-American pitcher for USC, spent the past 12 seasons as California's pitching coach before joining the Trojans' coaching staff last season.
"I'm confident that Dan Hubbs and his staff will lead our team to a successful season," said Haden. "Dan is a good coach, he is highly-regarded in the baseball community and he has strong Trojan roots."
USC announced it had suspended Cruz from all coaching duties pending an investigation by the university on Feb. 7.
Over two seasons as head coach, Cruz guided the Trojans to a 48-63 record.
USC begins its 2013 regular season at Cal State Fullerton on Friday.
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