USC fires head football coach Steve Sarkisian

Southern California fired Steve Sarkisian on Monday, one day after the coach was put on leave. Offensive coordinator Clay Helton was appointed interim coach Sunday.

"After careful consideration of what is in the best interest of the university and our student-athletes, I have made the decision to terminate Steve Sarkisian, effective immediately.

"I want to thank Clay Helton for stepping into the interim head coach role, and I want to add how proud I am of our coaching staff and players and the way they are responding to this difficult situation. Through all of this, we remain concerned for Steve and hope that it will give him the opportunity to focus on his personal well-being," USC athletic director Pat Haden said in a statement.