Steve Sarkisian has been temporarily removed as USC’s head coach and may seek treatment for what appears to be alcohol issues.
Sarkisian, who is in his second season as USC’s head coach, was scheduled to speak after USC’s football practice Sunday, but there was one problem: he did not attend the practice. Instead, athletic director Pat Haden addressed the team and media and said that the head coach has been asked to take a leave of absence from the program. Offensive coordinator Clay Helton will take over on an interim basis.
Haden said Sarkisian was “not healthy” when the two spoke on the phone Sunday. The Daily News’ Scott Wolf reports that Sarkisian was not sober earlier Sunday.
The Daily News’ Scott Wolf says Sarkisian was “not in good shape” Sunday morning and that Sark is expected to seek treatment.
Source tells me Sarkisian expected to seek treatment and Clay Helton interim coach of team #USC
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) October 11, 2015
Sarkisian had an episode prior to the season where he got drunk at an official team event and later apologized for his behavior.
USC is reeling after a 17-12 home loss to Washington on Thursday night. It was the team’s second home and second conference loss of the season. The Trojans are 3-2 a year after going 9-4 in Sark’s first campaign.
