USC fires Steve Sarkisian in wake of personal issues

Published October 13, 2015

Mar 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans coach Steve Sarkisian (left) and athletic director Pat Haden at spring practice at Cromwell Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

USC head football coach Steve Sarkisian has been fired.

"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," AD Pat Haden said in a statement.

"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."

Sarkisian was a no-show to the team's practice on Sunday and was later asked to take a leave of absence after Haden found him "in no condition to work."

Much more to come.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/usc-fires-steve-sarkisian-in-wake-of-personal-issues