STEVE SARKISIAN FIRED BY USC

Steve Sarkisian is out as the head football coach at USC. 

Here's the official statement from Athletic Director Pat Haden: 

"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."

As we previously reported, Steve was put on a "leave of absence" after showing up to the football facility on Sunday looking as if he was intoxicated.

USC players tell us they were notified that Sarkisian was fired via text message from the coaching staff.