Interim coach Clay Helton optimistic about rest of season

A day after the firing of coach Steve Sarkisian, USC players walked to practice among a sea of cameras. One USC freshman asked his teammate, “You were here when Coach O was, right? Was it this crazy?”

Athletic Director Pat Haden and interim head coach Clay Helton are committed to focusing on the players right now. For some of them, Helton will be their fourth head coach at USC.

“The biggest thing is a lot of these guys, fortunately or unfortunately, have been in this situation before. We were in it two years ago. I thought that staff that was together  did exactly what we’re doing right now; we bonded together as a Trojan Family and a football team,” said Helton in a press conference after practice.

Though some players are dealing with their fourth head coach since their time at USC, Haden is proud of the way the veterans are handling the unfortunate situation.

“It has also been very difficult for our players, as you might imagine, but I am really proud of the way they are handling it,” Haden said.

Haden added that the mindset of the team had similarly been his main concern when evaluating whether or not to keep Sarkisian after an incident in which the coach appeared intoxicated at an alumni event before the season.

“I felt a great deal of compassion for Steve Sarkisian,” Haden said. “He deserved another chance.”

Since then, Haden said he determined that Sarkisian’s recent conduct did not uphold either the behavioral expectations they had outlined after that night nor the standards for being a coach at USC.

“He knew those expectations and failed to meet them, so we made a decision in the best interest of our student-athletes, and that was to terminate Steve,” Haden said.

Haden said that both the NCAA and USC conducted background checks on Sarkisian and that he had talked to dozens of people, including head coaches, staff members, friends and “people who have known Sarkisian for many years,”  none of whom raised  a concern.

But Haden did not make excuses for the coaching fiasco that might come to mar his reputation as athletic director.

“At the time of Steve’s hire, I firmly believed that it was the right choice and fit for USC. As we sit here today, Oct. 13, the decision I made did not work out, and I own that.” Haden said. “I have great confidence in the ability of Clay and the assistant coaches to rally around this team. And I am really impressed by the reception he got when I introduced him.”

Helton has been attempting to provide players with a positive presence to get through this dificult time.

This was evident in practice today when the team continued the tradition of “Competition Tuesday.” Players laughed and cheered as they gathered in a circle for a hitting drill where two teammates collided in the middle. Offensive linemen were going against defensive linemen, tight ends against linebackers and so on.

“These kids had a blast today,” Helton said. “And they love to compete.”

Helton insists that being named the head coach, even in an interim situation, is still a serious honor.

“I’ve been in this profession 21 years. I’ve probably forgotten a lot of games and a lot of plays,” Helton said. “But I will never forget, as long as I live, Pat Haden introducing me to this team and the ovation they gave. I will never forget that for the rest of my life.”

When Haden addressed his record as athletic director, he repeatedly referred to his love of USC and being part of the Trojan Family. Comparably, Helton said the support he’s gotten from friends and players proves the Trojan Family exists and added that if USC is to reach their goal of winning the Pac-12 South, they are going to have to play as one.

“As we rally together as a Trojan Family during a hard time, you’ll see what the true character of what Trojans are made of,” Helton said.

The Trojans ended practice by breaking the huddle with the chant “family.” Helton and Haden both voiced their support for Sarkisian, saying he is a friend who is “going through a tough time.”

“Steve Sarkisian is a good person,” Haden said. ”I have known him a long time. And I know he is a good football coach. I wouldn’t hire him otherwise. I wish him the absolute best. He has my support and our support. We’re concerned for him, and we hope that he focuses on his health and his well-being.”