USC Athletic Director Pat Haden said Tuesday that Steve Sarkisian was fired because his conduct did not meet USC’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.
“We’ve had a lot of good things happen here the last five years,” said Haden, who succeeded Mike Garrett as athletic director in 2010.