Former USC coach Steve Sarkisian makes first comments after firing

For the first time since he was fired on Monday, former USC head coach Steve Sarkisian took to Twitter to release a statement Wednesday.

For the first time since he was fired on Monday, former USC head coach Steve Sarkisian took to Twitter to release a statement on Wednesday.

“I would like to thank everyone for their huge outpouring of support and well wishes,” Sarkisian said.

Sarkisian was fired Monday after taking an indefinite leave of absence to reportedly seek alcohol treatment. The Los Angeles Timesreported that Sarkisian’s problems with alcohol dated back to his time as the head coach of the Washington Huskies.

“This is a very difficult time for my family and me,” Sarkisian said. “I am facing these challenges the best I can and your support helps immensely.”

Offensive coordinator Clay Helton is set to assume the team’s interim head coaching duties as the Trojans face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday.

“I wish my Trojans the best against Notre Dame and for the remainder of the season,” added Sarkisian, who has checked himself into a residential treatment facility. “No one will be cheering them on more than me. Fight On!”

USC is 3–2 this season after a 17–12 loss last week to Washington.​

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