A USC coaching change is nothing new for quarterback Cody Kessler

As USC’s quarterback, Cody Kessler is accustomed to making adjustments. But he could not have predicted that during his five years with the Trojans he would play for four coaches — Clay Helton twice.

“I’ve been through pretty much everything you could possibly think of since I’ve been here,” he said Wednesday after practice. “But it doesn’t affect me.”

Kessler is preparing to lead the Trojans against Notre Dame on Saturday at Notre Dame Stadium. It will be USC’s first game since Helton was named interim coach for the second time in three seasons.

“We’re excited to play and ready to get back out there,” Kessler said, “and just kind of put everything behind us and play football.”

Kessler is familiar with tumult.

The Bakersfield native came to USC in 2011 and has started games for coaches Lane Kiffin, Ed Orgeron, Helton and Steve Sarkisian, who was fired Monday.

“My phone’s been ringing and people are texting me, ‘Are you OK?’” Kessler said. “I’m fine. I’m great. ... I’ve been through this same exact situation. I know how to handle it. It’s the younger guys I need to be there for.”

Athletic Director Pat Haden said he fired Sarkisian because his conduct did not meet the standards and expectations of a USC head coach.

Kessler described Sarkisian as a great friend and coach, and wished him well. Sarkisian checked into a rehabilitation facility this week.

Kessler hopes to bounce back from his performance against Washington, a 17-12 loss. He passed for 156 yards, with two interceptions, and he was sacked five times.

“A lot of that is on me,” he said.

Kessler experienced “an off day” against Washington, said Helton, adding that he as the Trojans’ play-caller should have relied more on a running game that was productive. He expects Kessler to bounce back against the Fighting Irish.

“I’m not too worried about No. 6,” he said. “He’s a pretty good player.”

Helton is keeping his offensive coordinator and play-calling duties but he has ceded responsibility for quarterbacks to Marques Tuiasosopo.

Tuiasosopo, a former Washington and NFL player, is one of three Trojans coaches who played quarterback, including Helton and Tee Martin.

“Coach Tui is awesome,” Kessler said, adding, “Him and Coach Tee, they always gave me different pointers and different stuff.”

Sarkisian tweets

Sarkisian’s Twitter account Wednesday posted a thank-you for the support he has received.

Whether Sarkisian wrote the messages or someone did it on his behalf was not known. The coach entered an undisclosed treatment facility this week.

“I would like to thank everyone for their huge outpouring of support and well wishes,” the first of three tweets read.

“This is a very difficult time for my family and me. I am facing these challenges the best I can and your support helps immensely.

“I wish my Trojans the best against Notre Dame and for the remainder of the season. No one will be cheering them on more than me. Fight On!”

Keeping busy

Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson was a recruit when USC began the first of what have become multiple coaching changes. Now he is in the middle of one.

“I never even thought about or worried about it,” he said. “At the end of the day I’m still going to come out here and play ball.”

Against Washington, Jackson played a season-high 94 plays. He was not overburdened, he said.

“Not at all,” he said. “I want to do more.”

Jackson has 10 receptions, one for a touchdown.

Helton said playing Jackson 100 snaps a game would not be fair to the sophomore.

“It doesn’t make him totally effective,” said Helton, who added defense should be Jackson’s priority.

Injury update

Receiver Steven Mitchell Jr. is doubtful for Saturday’s game because of an ankle injury suffered against Washington.

Quick hits

For more than a decade, USC departed for South Bend, Ind., on the Thursday before the game. This season, with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff, the Trojans were scheduled to leave Friday. But when Helton became interim coach, the Trojans changed plans and will depart Thursday night.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein