USC Statement: Steve Sarkisian Has Been Fired

Steve Sarkisian has been officially fired as head football coach at USC.

An official statement from Athletic Director Pat Haden states that Sarkisian was permanently dismissed after showing up on the field Sunday appearing to be intoxicated.

“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.”

Sarkisian was reportedly on a “leave of absence.”