LOS ANGELES — University of Southern California Athletic Director Pat Haden said Tuesday that Steve Sarkisian was fired because his conduct did not meet the university’s standards and expectations of a head coach.
Haden spoke and then answered questions at a news conference at the McKay Center shortly after USC President Max Nikias issued a statement in support of Haden, who has been under fire for his handling of Sarkisian in the aftermath of an embarrassing alcohol-related incident at USC’s annual “Salute to Troy” booster event in August.
Interim coach Clay Helton also addressed reporters.
Haden hired Sarkisian, a former USC assistant under Pete Carroll, to succeed Lane Kiffin, who Haden fired after a 2013 loss at Arizona State.
Sarkisian was hired after Haden interviewed Texas A&M Coach Kevin Sumlin, then-Boise State coach Chris Petersen and former USC All-American and NFL coach Jack Del Rio.
Petersen succeeded Sarkisian at Washington and Del Rio was hired by the Oakland Raiders.
Haden said Sarkisian was vetted by a search firm, the NCAA and USC before he was hired.
“The decision I made didn’t work out,” Haden said, “and I own that.”
Haden said he had not spoken to Sarkisian since Sunday, when Haden put him on indefinite leave. Sarkisian had presided over a team meeting but did not show up for practice.
Haden said he had attempted to reach Sarkisian, but had sent him a letter of termination.
Haden said, “I will work very hard to get this right for football.”
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