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Lynn Swann was the Pittsburgh Steelers first-round draft pick in 1974. The vaunted wide receiver played with the Steelers until 1982 during which time he was a three time Pro Bowler and four-time Super Bowl champion. He is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Now, Lynn Swann can add USC athletic director to his impressive resume. Before his time with the Steelers, he played with the USC Trojans,so the position is a homecoming of sorts. In a statement, Swann said, "As athletic director, my goals for student-athletes will be to graduate, to win and to experience."
Like his predecessor, Pat Haden, Swann has no experience in athletic administration, although he has experience as a sports commentator, gubernatorial candidate, and business man. Some have questioned the decision. ESPN staff writer Ted Miller wrote, "Not to be snarky, but has anyone noticed that at times over the past few decades or so, a lack of administrative skills has been a problem at USC? Hiring Swann doesn't suggest a seriousness about unquestioned competence. It suggests that USC hasn't learned any lessons from its recent past."
Reactions on Twitter were upbeat.
OFFICIAL: Lynn Swann named USC's next Athletic Director. #FightOn pic.twitter.com/NU6n4AgYHi
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) April 13, 2016
Pls tell me Lynn Swann is contractually obligated to wear this to work every day. pic.twitter.com/uLj1onSPNs
— Jim Weber (@JimMWeber) April 13, 2016
Lynn Swann may also have the distinction of being the only AD to appear on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood: #FightOn pic.twitter.com/Si09v5JnG2
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) April 13, 2016
It makes me really happy that Lynn Swann is going to be replacing Pat Haden as USC's AD.
— evan combs (@honey_combs_jr) April 13, 2016