Lynn Swann Named USC Athletic Director: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

USC announced Wednesday that Lynn Swann will succeed Pat Haden as the school's athletic director.

"I am excited about coming back to USC—its growth and success under President [Max] Nikias has been phenomenal, and my family and I are looking forward to being a part of that," Swann said in a statement. "As athletic director, my goals for the student-athletes will be to graduate, to win and to experience."

Former head football coach Pete Carroll was pleased to hear the news:

In February, Haden announced he plans to resign effective June 30. The move came a few months after he stepped down from his role on the College Football Playoff committee, citing health reasons.

Swann, who played three years for the Trojans from 1971 to 1973, will have big shoes to fill when he takes over as AD. Haden had the difficult task of navigating the athletic program in the aftermath of the NCAA's investigation regarding improper benefits given to former player Reggie Bush.

The NCAA announced the school's punishment in June 2010, and USC named Haden the athletic director in July. Although the Trojans haven't experienced the same success on the gridiron as they enjoyed during the Carroll era, the school's NCAA sanctions only ended in 2014.

According to ESPN.com, the Trojans' 10 national championships across all sports since Haden's arrival are second to only Florida. In 2013, the athletic department also surpassed $100 million in revenue for the first time in school history.

Given all the progress made under Haden, hiring Swann is somewhat risky. Both Bryan Fischer and the Los Angeles Times' Lindsey Thiry highlighted his lack of experience related to his future role:

Uproxx Sports' Ben Kercheval is similarly skeptical about the school's decision:

In February, the San Jose Mercury News' Jon Wilner argued a former player such as Swann was exactly who USC shouldn't target to replace Haden:

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The Trojans need a proven collegiate athletics administrator, not a former football player with zero AD experience. ... USC should hire someone with substantial experience in the business of running an athletic department, someone who has strong contacts in the industry, is well versed in the legislative changes, has proven success in football matters, understands life on the front lines, can communicate a vision for USC (and, by extension, the conference) in an inclusive, passionate manner.

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Swann played nine seasons in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After his playing career ended in 1982, Swann worked for ABC Sports. In 2006, he ran for governor of Pennsylvania, losing out to incumbent Ed Rendell. Beyond that, Fischer struggled to find how Swann has kept busy:

In his resignation announcement, Haden said he'll stay with the school for another year to see through the renovations to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

During that time, he can help Swann in the adjustment period, but after that, the Hall of Fame wide receiver will be on his own. Swann should unquestionably be a great ambassador for USC and the Trojans athletic program, but he'll face a challenging transition as he figures out the behind-the-scenes particulars of his new post.