Just like it did with his predecessor, USC has turned to a former Trojan football great to lead its athletics department. And, just like with that move, this one will certainly come with a little bit of controversy. And head-scratching. And WTF did they do???
In a press release, the university announced that it has hired Lynn Swann as its new athletic director, effective July 1 of this year. Swann was an All-American wide receiver with the Trojans in the early seventies, then went on to a career in the NFL that included a Super Bowl MVP trophy and ended with his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2001.
While most know the non-football Swann as a sports reporter for ABC, he has also served as the president of the national board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Swann’s been a member of boards at companies such as the H. J. Heinz Company, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, the Fluor Corporation Board and PGA of America. He will remain on the latter two boards, one of which, the PGA, has a term that expires in November of this year.
“To his new role, Lynn Swann will bring the heart and soul of a Trojan,” said USC president C.L. Max Nikias. “He shares our profound dedication to combining academic excellence with athletic excellence.”
Swann will replace Pat Haden, the former Trojan quarterback who was forced to step down earlier this year because of health issues.
“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.”