The men and women of Troy have a new leader, none other than former Trojan football player Lynn Swann. The University of Southern California has announced that Lynn Swann will be the school’s new athletic director. Swann takes over the job from another former Trojan, Pat Haden, whose last day will be June 30th.
USC is a premiere university with tremendous resources, a rich athletic history and a very supportive alumni base. The last several years has seen a lot of the luster wear off the athletic program. Sanctions, poor choices by the administration and a lack of wins, specifically in football and men’s basketball. With all of that surrounding the athletic department it’s kind of shocking that the school did the most predictable thing ever. Hire another former player, with no experience running a major collegiate athletic department, to lead them back to their glory days. What is it with the Trojans and their inability to escape the past? There is certainly something to be said for continuity, familiarity and having an understanding of the “USC Culture.” But how has that worked with previous hires? (See Mike Garrett, Pat Haden, Lanke Kiffin and Steve Sarkisian).
Lynn Swann seems like a smart guy and will certainly want to do a good job for his alma mater, but I can’t believe after a two month nationwide search that he was the best candidate. The pressure of being the AD at a place like USC is intense, between football and basketball alone. And what about all the other sports? And the fundraising? The alumni base is loyal but for how much longer? Especially if the programs don’t produce. And, what about the nuances of the job that require the right blend of politics, stewardship, and vision? He’s got the politics part down, he was the republican nominee for governor in the state of Pennsylvania in 2006. In a statement Swann said:
This new role as AD fits with my life focus of leadership, mentoring young people, helping others and giving them the tools they need to grow and achieve.
That’s all well and good and nobody doubts his intentions but an AD’s job is not so much about mentoring and leading young people. It’s about football and basketball wins, so that alumni keep donating and new facilities are built. Hope he’s ready. Fight On!