The USC Trojans dismissed baseball coach Frank Cruz on Wednesday after the school found out that he knowingly violated NCAA violations.
According to the Los Angeles Times, athletic director Pat Haden said the Trojans fired Cruz on Wednesday after dealing with issues related to NCAA rules that limit the number of hours athletes can spend in activities directed or supervised by the coaching staff,
The team opens its season on Friday against Cal State Fullerton and will be coached by Dan Hubbs, who is in his second year as the associate head coach of the team and the pitching coach. Haden named him coach on Wednesday.
"Adhering to all NCAA rules is paramount for each one of our coaches, student-athletes and staff members," Haden said in a statement posted on the school's website. "Those who knowingly break NCAA rules are subject to termination."
USC has dealt with NCAA issues over the past few years, including in basketball with OJ Mayo as well as with running back Reggie Bush, whose scandal forced the NCAA to put the team on probation for a number of years. The school also imposed penalties itself, including the reduction of practice hours by the baseball team.
The Trojans suspended Cruz last week, pending an investigation by USC's compliance staff. Cruz was put in as head coach 2010 after Haden fired former coach Chad Kreuter. In his first season, Cruz led the team to a 25-31.
"I'm confident that Dan Hubbs and his staff will lead our team to a successful season," Haden said. "Dan is a good coach, he is highly regarded in the baseball community and he has strong Trojan roots."
USC has won a record around of College World series titles but has fallen on hard times, missing the NCAA tournament since 2005. Last season, USC finished 23-32 overall and 8-22 in the Pac-12 Conference.
