USC Fires Coach Frank Cruz Over NCAA Rules Violations

Los Angeles, CA – USC has fired coach Frank Cruz (above, center), citing violations of NCAA rules on practice time and organized team activities.

Baseball coach Cruz, who was 48-63 in his two seasons with the Trojans, will be replaced with associate head coach Dan Hubbs, a former Trojans pitcher.

News of Cruz’s sacking was confirmed Wednesday by Trojans athletic director Pat Haden. Haden added that the school would be reducing the number of practice hours for the baseball team this season and next:

“Adhering to all NCAA rules is paramount for each one of our coaches, student-athletes and staff members. Those who knowingly break NCAA rules are subject to termination.”

Cruz was suspended by USC on February 7 pending the school’s internal investigation into possible NCAA rule violations.

The investigation, carried out by Vice President for Athletic Compliance Dave Roberts and his staff, aimed to determine whether the baseball program exceeded the allowed Countable Athletically-Related Activities hours. The probe was completed earlier this week, and Cruz has paid with his job.

USC has informed the NCAA and Pac-12 of the rule violations carried out by Cruz. It has also shared details of its reduced training hours. Of Frank Cruz’s replacement, Haden said:

“I’m confident that Dan Hubbs and his staff will lead our team to a successful season. Dan is a good coach, he is highly-regarded in the baseball community and he has strong Trojan roots.”

Do you agree with USC’s decision to fire Frank Cruz, and is Dan Hubbs a suitable replacement?