Spurrier retires; USC fires Sarkisian

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier told his players that he is retiring, effective immediately.

The 70-year-old coach informed players of his decision Monday night, said a person close to the situation. South Carolina has not publicly announced Spurrier's decision.

South Carolina has not named an interim coach but likely would announce someone to finish out the season by Wednesday, the person said.

The Gamecocks are 2-4 and 0-4 in the Southeastern Conference for the first time in Spurrier's 23 seasons coaching in the league at Florida and South Carolina.

Spurrier, in the middle of his 11th season at South Carolina, did not return messages seeking comment.

The coach's weekly press conference is still scheduled to be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Spurrier considered leaving the Gamecocks last December after the Gamecocks went 6-6. But the team defeated Miami in the Independence Bowl last December, a victory that seemed to re-energize him.

But things have quickly spiraled downward this season.

The Gamecocks lost to Kentucky at home in the season's second week, then were blown out by SEC Eastern Division rival Georgia, 52-20, a week later.

Losses at Missouri and No. 6 LSU last week guaranteed Spurrier no better than a break-even season. Spurrier had never had a losing season in 25 previous seasons coaching in college at Duke (1987-89), Florida (1990-2001) and South Carolina.

The Gamecocks are 11th in total offense in the SEC, averaging 341 yards a game.

Sarkisian fired

Athletic director Pat Haden made the move one day after determining Sarkisian showed up at school in no condition to lead practice, although Haden refused to reveal specifics about the coach's condition. Offensive coordinator Clay Helton was appointed interim coach Sunday.

USC hasn't elaborated on Sarkisian's problems, but the second-year coach had an embarrassing public display in August at a pep rally where he appeared to be intoxicated while giving a speech. Sarkisian later apologized and said he had combined alcohol and medication, but promised not to drink again during the season.

Sarkisian's unsteady appearance Sunday prompted Haden to make the program's fourth coaching change in just over two years.

"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.

"I want to add how proud I am of our coaching staff and players and the way they are responding to this difficult situation. Through all of this we remain concerned for Steve and hope that it will give him the opportunity to focus on his personal well-being."

Sarkisian went 12-6 at USC, where he started as an assistant coach under Pete Carroll.

Florida quarterback Will Grier was suspended indefinitely for violating the NCAA's policy on banned performance-enhancing drugs. Grier, who failed a drug test, said he took an over-the-counter supplement.