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Lynn Swann to Succeed Pat Haden as USC Athletic Director

Amber Lee Blog NCAAF News
Images via Zimbio

Images via Zimbio

On Wednesday the University of Southern California announced that Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Steeler Lynn Swann had been chosen to succeed Pat Haden as the Trojans athletic director. In February Haden announced his retirement, effective June 30.

The announcement was made via a written statement from USC President C.L. Max Nikias:

Swann is a legend in Trojan and NFL football, a highly regarded international media broadcaster, an extraordinarily effective leader, and a deeply committed civic figure. The Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl X, Swann is already well known to the Trojan Family, as well as to individuals around the world. …

“To his new role, Lynn Swann will bring the heart and soul of a Trojan,” said Nikias. “He shares our profound dedication to combining academic excellence with athletic excellence.” …

“I am excited about coming back to USC — its growth and success under President Nikias has been phenomenal and my family and I are looking forward to being a part of that,” said Swann. “As athletic director, my goals for the student-athletes will be to graduate, to win and to experience.”

Though Nikias concluded by expressing eternal gratitude for the outgoing Haden’s contributions, the university is most grateful to put behind the turmoil he’s been at the center of since last summer. Haden’s mishandling of the Steve Sarkisian situation—he was fired for cause in October, and in December filed a $30 million lawsuit—is an ongoing headache for USC.

A number of Trojans, both past and present, were quick to congratulate Swann via Twitter and praise what seems to be a very well-received hire—at least by the Trojan faithful, who value tradition over experience.

It is, of course, worth noting that Swann has absolutely no experience that would make him technically qualified for the athletic director position. He did attend USC and play NFL football, but aside from a failed Pennsylvania gubernatorial campaign in 2006, Swann has largely been coasting since he retired in 1982.

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