Kevin O'Neill was rejected basketball coach Southern California on Monday
after three and a half years, during which he managed to transform the
program overwhelmed by problems of the NCAA prior to his arrival, and a
number of injured players.O'Neal reached a record of 48-65, including 7-10 this season after 6-26 last year, setting a record for the loss of the school.
Veteran assistant Bob Cantu will be the interim coach during the search for a successor USC. Cantu O'Neill returned to the Pac-10 tournament semifinals against Arizona in 2010-11, when the coach was suspended after receiving a verbal confrontation with the amplifier Wildcats. He remained on the staff through four changes of coach and is the longest full-time assistant to the Pac-12.
Pat Haden sporting director said it became clear to him that the program needs new leadership.
"Despite a good way to win our last game, I felt it was better to make a change now, with most of the Pac-12 next season, to give a new impetus to our team," he said.
Trojans are 2-2 in Pac-12 after a road split last weekend. Lost in the Colorado win in Utah to break a series of 14 consecutive wins road. USC has lost nine of their last 13 games, including a series of five games.
"I really enjoyed my four years at the University of Southern California," O'Neill said in a statement. "This is a special place. Loved the people I worked with, who led the players and our fans. USC Thank you for your program guide. We could not be more proud to work n ' anywhere. "
