It was well-known that Steve Sarkisian has had his issues in the past, but Pat Haden was still able to look past that and hired him as head coach for the USC Trojans. That decision has officially backfired, as Sarkisian was fired on Monday following multiple unfortunate incidents.
Haden said this decision was "in the best interest of the university" and added that the school is "concerned for Steve."
Sarkisian has had a history of alcohol problems before and during his stint as the Trojans head coach. Recent reports say that the former coach was intoxicated during a game against Arizona State on September 26th. This came after he showed up to a pre-season pep rally under the influence.
Sarkisian was asked to take an indefinite leave of absence on Sunday, but after careful consideration, Haden decided to let go of the head coach altogether. Clay Helton will take over as the interim head coach for the unranked Trojans, who came into the season ranked eighth in the country.
Upset losses to Stanford and Washington currently have them out of the top 25 heading into a tough battle with Notre Dame.
Sarkisian's issues have been a distraction all season long, and Haden stated that it was "clear to me that he was not healthy", and the last thing this team needed was more distraction.
Sources say the head coach "showed up lit" to meetings and "appeared not normal" in a meeting Sunday morning, which led to the team not allowing him to attend practice.
Sarkisian is reportedly going through a divorce and his behavior came from a combination of that, alcohol and pain killers. He is expected to head straight for rehab to receive treatment for his condition. Meanwhile, the Trojans look to stay focused on football, as they look to turn their season around following the coaching change.
Haden said this decision was "in the best interest of the university" and added that the school is "concerned for Steve."
Sarkisian has had a history of alcohol problems before and during his stint as the Trojans head coach. Recent reports say that the former coach was intoxicated during a game against Arizona State on September 26th. This came after he showed up to a pre-season pep rally under the influence.
Sarkisian was asked to take an indefinite leave of absence on Sunday, but after careful consideration, Haden decided to let go of the head coach altogether. Clay Helton will take over as the interim head coach for the unranked Trojans, who came into the season ranked eighth in the country.
Upset losses to Stanford and Washington currently have them out of the top 25 heading into a tough battle with Notre Dame.
Sarkisian's issues have been a distraction all season long, and Haden stated that it was "clear to me that he was not healthy", and the last thing this team needed was more distraction.
Sources say the head coach "showed up lit" to meetings and "appeared not normal" in a meeting Sunday morning, which led to the team not allowing him to attend practice.
Sarkisian is reportedly going through a divorce and his behavior came from a combination of that, alcohol and pain killers. He is expected to head straight for rehab to receive treatment for his condition. Meanwhile, the Trojans look to stay focused on football, as they look to turn their season around following the coaching change.
