USC Tabs Swann as New AD

The University of Southern California today named former Pittsburgh Steelers great Lynn Swann as their new athletic director. The hall of fame wide receiver is third consecutive alumni to head the athletic department, following Mike Garrett and Pat Haden.

Haden resigned from the post February 5, 2016. During his tenure, the USC football was once again in the headlines for reasons other than on-field production. Former head coach Steve Sarkisian was fired during the 2015 season. Sarkisian was under the influence of alcohol during a campus pep rally. Instead of a stern disciplinary action, Haden gave his coach a slap on the wrist. That action proved to be consequential as a series of incidents, including missed practices, led Haden to put the belleagured head coach on a leave of absence. Shortly after, Sarkisian was fired. Haden was fined $25,000 for coming onto the field and confronting officials during a game against Stanford.

Swann won four Super Bowls during his nine-year career with Steelers. Before that he was an All-American playmaker for the Trojans and was a part of the 1972 national championship team. After his playing career, Swann went into broadcasting as a sideline reporter for ABC doing college and pro games.

photo courtesy steelers.com

The USC Trojans haven't been a national power since the days of Pete Carroll.

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