USC head football coach Steve Sarkisian is taking an indefinite leave of absence, according to athletic director Pat Haden.
Haden told reporters Sunday it was clear to him that Sarkisian was “not healthy.” Offensive coordinator Clay Helton will be the Trojans’ interim head coach in Sarkisian’s absence.
Haden didn’t go into specifics about Sarkisian’s forced leave of absence, but multiple reports suggest it has something to do with the head coach’s alcohol consumption.
Two sources at USC say Steve Sarkisian was sent home by athletic director Pat Haden earlier today.
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) October 11, 2015
Am told by multiple sources Steve Sarkisian showed up in no condition to work today & #USC brass knows he needs serious help.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) October 11, 2015
Steve Sarkisian will seek treatment and Clay Helton is interim coach at USC per source
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) October 11, 2015
Source tells me Sarkisian expected to seek treatment and Clay Helton interim coach of team #USC
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) October 11, 2015
As I said before, source tells me Sarkisian was not sober earlier today #USC
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) October 11, 2015
This isn’t the first time Sarkisian has made headlines for his off-the-field behavior. He publicly apologized before the season for showing up drunk to a pep rally and making a slurred public statement.
Sarkisian said at the time of his drunken antics in August that he would seek unspecified treatment, though he also claimed that he did not have a drinking problem and that he wouldn’t drink for the duration of USC’s football season.
Thumbnail photo via Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports Images
