Willie Mack Garza's Resignation Triggered By Relationship With Willie Lyles, According To Report

Read More: USC Trojans

When USC secondary coach Willie Mack Garza abruptly resigned with no explanation other than "personal reasons," speculation began to swirl about the actual reason for his resignation. According to reports, Garza's resignation is tied to Willie Lyles, the man at the center of an NCAA recruiting investigation stretching from Oregon to LSU and back to California.

CBS Sports' Bryan Fischer had the news, which explained the timing of Garza's departure.

Lyles interviewed with NCAA investigators for several hours with his lawyers present on Tuesday. During the interview, Lyles revealed that he had a "relationship" with Garza prior to becoming an assistant at Tennessee according to sources. USC officials were notified on Wednesday of the connection and moved swiftly to work out Garza's departure. 

Believe it or not, this is actually a proactive move by USC. Garza's relationship with Lyles has reportedly been a lengthy one, and the Trojans may not be facing any kind of discipline here. However, with Lyles singing to the NCAA in a broad-reaching investigation, having an assistant coach with ties to him is a messy situation.

As Fischer said, Lyles spoke with the NCAA Tuesday and was reportedly honest and candid. What was told is unknown, but he appears to be fully cooperating at this time. And it could be bad news for schools implicated in the recruiting probe.

For more on Garza's resignation and the Trojans, head over to Conquest Chronicles.