Athletic director Pat Haden instituted an indefinite leave of absence for Southern California football coach Steve Sarkisian, who will seek treatment, on Sunday.
According to multiple reports, Haden sent Sarkisian home when the coach’s behavior was out of the ordinary. The move comes four days after USC lost at home to Washington, the program Sarkisian left to take over in Los Angeles.
Clay Helton was informed he would be interim coach for the second time in three years following a meeting between Haden and players. Sarkisian was not at practice.
At the conclusion of Sunday’s workout, Helton told players to report immediately to the meeting without showering and changing clothes.
Sarkisian faced multiple personal issues in the offseason. In the midst of a divorce, Sarkisian was reprimanded by Haden in August for an embarrassing public appearance at a pep rally and fundraiser with USC boosters.
Sarkisian said the cause of his unbecoming behavior at the event was mixing pain killers and alcohol.