In a letter by USC President Max Nikias, USC announced that athletic director Pat Haden will step down from the position on June 30, 2016.
According to the letter, it is Haden who announced his desire to retire. Nikias also adds that though Haden will be stepping down, he will oversee the forthcoming renovations to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for a one-year period.
"[Haden] will maintain an office in the Bovard Administration Building, working closely with me and reporting directly to me as he heads a fundraising initiative focused on renewing the nation's most venerable stadium and the home of Trojan football," Nikias states.
Haden took on the athletic director job in 2010, replacing Mike Garrett during a time of controversy and NCAA sanctions at the university. His efforts toward rebuilding USC Athletics and improving were called "Herculean" by Nikias in his letter, who began his tenure as president at the same time.
"[Haden] has pursued long-term goals without sacrificing the near-term goals of the Trojans being as competitive as possible in every arena," Nikias said. "[He] integrated the athletic department more completely into the life of the larger university than ever before."
Under Haden, USC won 10 national championships, expanded the program by adding both women's lacrosse and beach volleyball, and raised over $400 million dollars, according to Nikias.
On the other hand, Haden is also known for having fired both Lane Kiffin and Steve Sarkisian as head football coaches, and holding the position at a largely low point in USC football history.
In the wake of Haden's resignation, Nikias says he will be working closely with Nick Brill of the Brill Neumann executive search firm, to hire the school's next athletic director.
Nikias has also linked to a specific email in his letter that has been created so that alumni and others can "forward nominations" to it.
Haden released a statement following the letter, confirming his retirement and adding his thoughts on his career as athletic director.
"It has been a tremendous honor serving my alma mater, a school I love so much, as well as serving Max Nikias, our coaches and staff and, most importantly, our student-athletes," Haden said. "I am proud of what has been accomplished here the past six years and knowing that USC Athletics is on an upward trajectory. I look forward to finishing out this academic year as athletic director and then spending time on the Coliseum project."
Annenberg Media