LOS ANGELES, CA- Lynn Swann will become USC’s next athletic director, effective July 1, 2016, USC president C. L. Max Nikias recently announced. 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.
Swann will replace Pat Haden, who in February announced he will retire as athletic director on June 30.
“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.”
In his letter to the USC community, Nikias said he expects Swann to bring his experience, expertise, and sheer love for intercollegiate athletics to important national conversations and reforms, particularly through the university’s leadership in the Pac-12, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the College Football Playoff (CFP) association, and the Olympic movement.
“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.”
Swann earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. While pursuing academics at USC, he excelled on the football field, playing on two Rose Bowl teams and a National Championship team in 1972. He was team captain, most valuable player, and an All-American in 1973.