USC announced on Wednesday that NFL Hall of Famer and former Trojans wide receiver Lynn Swann has been named the school’s next athletic director.
Swann is set to begin work on July 1, when he will officially take over for Pat Haden. In early February, Haden decided to retire following another health scare in which he reportedly collapsed on the USC campus and was taken to an ambulance on a stretcher.
Swann was a star wide receiver for USC from 1971 to 1973. He won a national championship with the Trojans during an undefeated season in 1972 and was later drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 21st overall pick in the 1974 NFL Draft.
“I am very pleased to announce that Lynn Swann has accepted by offer to become USC’s next athletic director,” USC president Max Nikias said in a statement Wednesday. “To his new role, Mr. Swann will bring the heart and soul of a Trojan. …
“I am confident he will bring charismatic, dynamic leadership to this exceptionally consequential role at USC.”
Swann has no prior experience as an athletic director, which has already led to some criticism from USC fans. One notable alumnus seems to be on board with the decision.
Thank you @ADHadenUSC for all you have done for @USC_Athletics over the past 6 years. Welcome back to USC Lynn Swann #FightOn
— Keyshawn Johnson (@keyshawn) April 13, 2016
In nine seasons with the Steelers, Swann won four Super Bowls and was named a Super Bowl MVP. He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times.
