Steve Sarkisian, former USC coach, open to resuming career

ByKyle Bonagura ESPN logo
Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Former USC football coach Steve Sarkisian, who was fired by the school last October amid concerns about his alcohol use, remains open to one day resuming his career.

Sarkisian, who has kept a low profile since his dismissal, told TMZ Sports on Tuesday that he is feeling well and, at least for the interim, will remain close to the game by working for FS1 this fall. According to the Los Angeles Daily News, he will be an in-booth analyst for non-Pac-12 games.

Asked if he plans to get back into coaching, Sarkisian allowed for the possibility, telling TMZ, "I love coaching. I love being around the game of football and Fox gave me an opportunity to be around it. and we'll see where it goes from there.

"It's good to be around the game, just be part of college football," said Sarkisian, who appeared healthy and slimmer in a video clip posted by TMZ. "It's a great game."

Sarkisian was fired by USC on Oct. 12, a day after he arrived to team facilities appearing to be intoxicated. Two months later, he filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against USC seeking $30 million, but later agreed not to oppose an arbitration agreement he signed to settle the dispute.

Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, who was a co-offensive coordinator with Sarkisian at USC, said prior to the College Football Playoff National Championship game he would hire Sarkisian in the future if an opportunity presented itself.

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter has reported Sarkisian put out feelers to NFL teams and expressed interest in becoming either a quarterbacks coach or offensive coordinator.

"Life's good," Sarkisian told TMZ Sports on Tuesday. "Just taking some time to focus on myself and do the things necessary in all aspects of my life, and been fortunate to have that time to do that and, then, feel really good."