USC Trojans

Sarkisian responds: 'I am facing these challenges the best I can'

Published Oct. 14, 2015 8:01 p.m. ET

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Former USC Trojans coach Steve Sarkisian took to Twitter on Wednesday to offer his first public comments since being fired from the program on Monday.

Sarkisian initially had been put on a leave of absence Sunday by USC athletic director Pat Haden, who said then that Sarkisian was "not healthy" after missing practice.

Sources at the time told FOX Sports college football insider Bruce Feldman that Sarkisian showed up Sunday "in no condition to work," but Haden wasn't specific about the reasons for the coach's absence, saying only that "it was very clear to me" that the second-year USC coach was unwell. 

The following day, the school terminated Sarkisian.

"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," Haden said in a statement.

Haden said on Tuesday he had been unable to reach Sarkisian directly to inform the coach of his firing, adding that he tried for a couple of hours and also attempted to contact Sarkisian's agent and sister before finally connecting with Sarkisian's brother-in-law. 

"I also reached out to his agent many times," Haden said. "I also reached out to several family members. ...  I really do look forward to talking to Steve at some point."

Recent reports have indicated that Sarkisian eventually found out about his firing via text messages from friends.

Staff reports and The Associated Press contributed.

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