USC athletic director Pat Haden will retire this summer, the school announced Friday, prompting Twitter to react, reminisce and speculate on his replacement.
Max Nikias announced the retirement of athletic director Pat Haden, effective at the end of June, Friday after a six-year tenure in the post.
Naturally, social media jumped on the story with well-wishes, good riddances, remembrances and all sorts of other reactions. Here’s the best of the Twitter response:
It's a sad day for me today. I love you @ADHadenUSC https://t.co/Ro9U6gS3ok
— Zach Banner (@ZBNFL) February 5, 2016
Thank you @ADHadenUSC for all you did for me personally and @USC_Athletics you embody what it means to #FightOn
— DK (@DevonKennard) February 5, 2016
With basketball and recruiting doing well, let's him go out on a high note. https://t.co/UID1daFeAd
— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) February 5, 2016
With Pat Haden retiring, #USC AD vacancy is a big job. Curious to see if school goes after a proven AD w coll. administrative exp this time.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) February 5, 2016
Apparently #USC's preferred moment to drop big news is after UCLA wins.
— Will Robinson (@Will_Robinson_) February 5, 2016
Search firm USC has retained has worked with the school before for other positions but has very little experience in athletics placement.
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) February 5, 2016
Pat Haden obviously retired under pressure for hiring that lousy basketball coach fans complained about for two years...#USC
— Chris Dufresne (@DufRankman) February 5, 2016
How does Pat Haden's retirement in June affect Clay Helton? Depends if #USC goes outside the dept. or stays in-house for next AD
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) February 5, 2016
It's ironic that Pat Haden will probably be best remembered for picking the right BASKETBALL coach at USC. @insidetroy @ShotgunSpr
— RichSC (@OriginalRichSC) February 5, 2016
Great News. Haden is a great Trojan and it's time to get a new AD. Both can be true. https://t.co/xNIRMsHBUj
— Robb (@Korinke) February 5, 2016
— Matthew Katnik (@theshowman55) February 5, 2016
Let's just hope Haden keeps his twitter account active because he was great w/ student-athletes. He truly cared about the entire package.
— Evan Budrovich (@evanbud) February 5, 2016
I'm very fortunate to have the opportunity to work alongside @USC_Athletics during Pat Haden's tenure. USC is better because of him #FightOn
— Derek Summerville (@d_sum) February 5, 2016
Thanks to Pat Haden for his service. I wish him the best. But it's about time he stepped down. USC athletics needs a more seasoned AD.
— USC Psycho ? (@uscpsycho) February 5, 2016
Pat Haden stepping down in June. I felt like he got a bad rap. Entered difficult situation. Did a lot of good. Sark situation low point.
— Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev) February 5, 2016
The Pat Haden news is not surprising. But I still don’t understand the timing of it. Why do this just months after he hired a new HC? #USC
— Jackson Safon (@JacksonSafon) February 5, 2016
P Haden hired to quiet the waters after Reggie Bush. Is it possible things became more turbulent on his watch?
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) February 5, 2016
Very surprised it was this soon. Pat did a good job but he get's defined by football. Expect Steve Lopes to replace https://t.co/RAXwGNvpn8
— GabeAlvarez (@GabeAlvarez) February 5, 2016
Wonder who will be in charge of search for #USC's next athletic director. Or will anyone outside of the USC family be given an interview?
— Max Meyer (@TheMaxMeyer) February 5, 2016
Anyone who permanently bans both wide receiver bubble screens and the "spirit leaders" on the Coliseum sidelines gets my USC AD nomination.
— Matt Leland (@MattLeland) February 5, 2016
People will focus on the trials & tribulations of SC Football (and rightfully so) but Haden's baseball, hoops & track & field hires were ??
— Trenise Ferreira (@TreniseFerreira) February 5, 2016
What say you Trojan fans? What do you think of Pat Haden’s decision to retire and the search to replace him? Sound off in the comments below.