USC has turned to a popular former player to fill Pat Haden's shoes.
The Trojans named Lynn Swann as their athletic director to take over when Haden steps down on June 30. Haden, who's been at the the helm since 2010, has been dealing with health issues.
Swann played for USC from 1971-73 before heading to the NFL. The wide receiver went on to star with the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning four Super Bowls.
"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," Swann said. "As athletic director, my goals for the student-athletes will be to graduate, to win, and to experience."
Swann added that he'll also focus on education.
"USC opened doors for me," said Swann. "I learned about myself, and my education created a pathway to go forward. I was always looking toward preparing for that career beyond football. It is foundational for our student-athletes to earn their degree. Education is about laying each brick of that foundation, one day at a time."
Former Trojans head coach Pete Carroll endorsed the decision on Wednesday.
Excited to hear Lynn Swann is the next Athletic Director at USC! He will be an outstanding leader and great champion for the Trojan cause!
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) April 13, 2016
Swann inherits a program that's coming off a tumultuous year. In October, Haden fired Steve Sarkisian, who then sued the school and claimed he was let go because of his disability, alcoholism.
Clay Helton took over on an interim basis and was later rewarded the full-time job.
