Steve Sarkisian has been asked by USC AD Pat Haden to go on an indefinite leave of absence, as announced by Trojans AD Pat Haden on Sunday afternoon. Clay Helton will serve as interim head coach.
Sarkisian agreed to seek alcohol treatment following an embarrassing exploit at the Trojans' Salute to Troy booster event in late August. Haden, who allowed Sarkisian to keep coaching when Sarkisian admitted an alcohol problem in midseason, says he learned of his head coach's immediate health needs shortly before word broke out.
In the meantime, USC - picked to win the Pac-12 in preseason but sitting with two home losses and outside the top 25 - visits Notre Dame on Saturday. This marks Helton's second stint as interim head coach in the past three seasons. He led the Trojans to a win in the 2013 Las Vegas Bowl after Ed Orgeron stepped down after not being named Lane Kiffin's full-time replacement.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.