Steve Sarkisian Takes Leave of Absence, Social Media Reacts

USC football head coach Steve Sarkisian will take a leave of absence, leaving the Trojans without a head coach and more than a few questions swirling about the direction of the program.

As usual, social media was first on the scene to react to the surprise news on Sunday, once it was revealed that Sarkisian did not attend practice.

Sarkisian’s Trojans were beaten at home by Washington Thursday, 17-12, in a game which had many USC fans turning against the head coach. With the second loss of the season, USC dropped out of the polls with a 3-2 record and chances of winning the Pac-12 looking less and less likely.

Following the sloppy showing on Thursday night, more than a few national pundits speculated that Sarkisian’s seat at USC was getting hot. That was not helped by offseason troubles for the head coach which saw him embarrass himself while intoxicated on stage in front of Trojan boosters at the annual Salute to Troy rally.

Here’s how Twitter responded to the latest developments:

I'm told players just met w/Pat Haden and Clay Helton is interim coach as Haden has asked Sarkisian to take a temp. leave of absence #USC
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) October 11, 2015

Would be surprised if it happened in season, but wouldn't be if right after if it doesnt improve. https://t.co/wHShPq5M5k
— Tony Boselli (@TonyBoselli) October 11, 2015

Crazy to say, but this feels worse than the 2012 "Unfinished Business" horror show.
— Jacob Freedman (@Jacob_Freedman) October 11, 2015

Was told from multiple sources several different stories, all of which end with Sark not being the head coach for at least a while. #USC
— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) October 11, 2015

Meanwhile the media is still waiting for someone to talk to us almost 30 minutes after practice ended. #USC
— Keely Eure (@keelyismyname) October 11, 2015

Extremely interesting news out of #USC this evening. Wonder how team will react. Either rally around each other or fall apart.
— SlapTheSign (@SlapTheSign) October 11, 2015

Steve Sarkisian will seek treatment and Clay Helton is interim coach at USC per source
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) October 11, 2015

#USC is 1-0 all-time in games after a loss under Clay Helton.
— Reign of Troy (@ReignofTroy) October 11, 2015

Multiple sources tell me Steve Sarkisian was not in normal condition this morning #USC
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) October 11, 2015

Keep in mind that Steve Sarkisian has been going through a divorce, alcohol issues and now the extreme pressures of this #USC season.
— Max Meyer (@TheMaxMeyer) October 11, 2015

Two sources at USC say Steve Sarkisian was sent home by athletic director Pat Haden earlier today.
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) October 11, 2015

Am told by multiple sources Steve Sarkisian showed up in no condition to work today & #USC brass knows he needs serious help.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) October 11, 2015

So yeah, we were gonna record a podcast and then all hell broke loose.
— Michael Castillo (@MichaelCastFS) October 11, 2015

Obviously this is significant news for the Trojans, but here’s to hoping Steve Sarkisian can get the life help he needs. It’s a hard road
— Thanos (@FightOnTwist) October 11, 2015

Difficult to gauge how Sark absence affects #USC recruiting. #Trojans signed No. 10 class in '14 after Kiffin was fired, No. 1 this past Feb
— Blair Angulo (@bangulo) October 11, 2015

This is the official point for me at least, when the Sarkisian jokes end. I wish him nothing but the best - and a quick recovery. #USC
— Aaron Levine (@AaronQ13Fox) October 11, 2015

Clay Helton has sure had a surreal couple of years #USC
— Nick Burton (@NickMBurton) October 11, 2015

The last 2 times Cody Kessler has thrown multiple interceptions in a game, his head coach has changed.
— Kenny Legan (@KennyLegan) October 11, 2015

That's counting Helton twice, but point still stands. Just crazy. https://t.co/Jx1k08qTpY
— Reign of Troy (@ReignofTroy) October 11, 2015

Steve Sarkisian Takes Leave of Absence, Social Media Reacts

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