After receiving a strong statement of support from USC president Max Nikias, athletic director Pat Haden addressed the media inside the John McKay Center this morning.
Haden made extensive opening remarks, explaining the termination of Steve Sarkisian and the vetting process before he was hired. He took ownership for the decision ultimately not working out.
After days of media questioning his ability to lead, he staunchly defended his record over the last five years as athletic director, enumerating the department's successes across 21 sports, academically, fundraising and much more. In terms of hiring coaches, he acknowledged that it is an "inexact science," having made several strong head coaching hires as well as others that have not succeeded, but he will learn from this experience and work to position the football program for better days ahead under a new head coach.
Haden is in full support of Clay Helton, believing that he is the right man for this job at this time. First and foremost, they are focused on the welfare of the student-athletes and the season ahead, which still has at least seven games to go.
Here is the entire Pat Haden press conference from earlier today:
University Southern California Trojans
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