Kevin O'Neill Fired as USC Basketball Coach

USC men's basketball coach Kevin O'Neill has been "releived of his duties" by Athletic Director Pat Haden, the school announced early Monday morning.

Longtime Trojans assistant coach Bob Cantu will serve as the interim head coach. According to a release, the school is searching for a replacement.

"I would like to thank Kevin O'Neill for his four years of service to USC," said Haden. "He took over a program under difficult circumstances because of our NCAA issues and, despite that, he was able to do some good things."

O'Neill was midway through his fourth year at USC, and cries were rampant for his dismissal last offseason after the Trojans posted a dismal 6-26 record. The Trojans are 7-10 this year and 2-2 in conference.

"It was hard for me to evaluate him as a head coach until this year when he had enough players and veterans to compete," said Haden." As the season progressed, it became evident to me that we needed new leadership in our men's basketball program."

O'Neill had a 48-65 record in his time at USC, with just one trip to the NCAA tournament in his second year at Troy.

"I enjoyed my four years at USC," said O'Neill. "I thank USC for allowing me to guide their program. I couldn't be more proud to work anywhere.

"I would encourage all of our recruits to honor their commitment to USC and help build the Trojan program in the right direction."

Cantu has been in the interim role before, most recently in 2011 when O'Neill was temporarily suspended by the school hours before the Pac-12 basketball tournament. This is Cantu's 12th year at USC.

Said Haden, "I feel confident that Bob Cantu will capably guide our team on an interim basis while we search for a new coach."