The surprise announcement of Lynn Swann as USC’s new athletic director was met with a flurry of reaction ranging from shock to ire.
Lynn Swann is the new USC athletic director and Twitter has a lot to say about that.
The College Football and Pro Football Hall of Famer will take over for Pat Haden on July 1 following his retirement but social media certainly did not wait to weigh in on the hire.
Responses ranged from surprise at the hire, which was largely unexpected by the USC community, to frustration over the Trojans turning to yet another former player to guide the athletic department. Of course, there was also a great many who rejoiced at the thought of one of the all-time USC greats returning to the fold.
Here’s a look at the best of the reaction:
OFFICIAL: Lynn Swann named USC's next Athletic Director. #FightOn pic.twitter.com/NU6n4AgYHi
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) April 13, 2016
Thank you for the support. I am looking forward to returning to USC as the AD. Fight On!
— Lynn Swann (@Lynn88Swann) April 13, 2016
Congratulations to Lynn Swann being named our new AD. Great person , leader and Trojan. He will do a great job!
— Pat Haden (@ADHadenUSC) April 13, 2016
Excited to hear Lynn Swann is the next Athletic Director at USC! He will be an outstanding leader and great champion for the Trojan cause!
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) April 13, 2016
Welcome home!!! #FightOn @USC_Athletics ??✌? pic.twitter.com/O9zOrRY0K6
— TJ McDonald (@tmcdonaldjr) April 13, 2016
Lynn Swann is a Hall Of Fame person and leader. This is wonderful news for @USC_Athletics. #FightOn https://t.co/fh7HFL2Tpe
— Ronnie Lott (@RonnieLottHOF) April 13, 2016
Thank you @ADHadenUSC for all you have done for @USC_Athletics over the past 6 years. Welcome back to USC Lynn Swann #FightOn
— Keyshawn Johnson (@keyshawn) April 13, 2016
FIGHT ON FOREVER!!! ✌?️ https://t.co/zTYkdWYTZ1
— DK (@DevonKennard) April 13, 2016
That's what's up https://t.co/WKyivphfmg
— Antwaun Woods Sr. (@AntwaunWoods_) April 13, 2016
Most USC thing to do? Announce a new athletic director on one of the biggest days in LA sports history as Kobe retires.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) April 13, 2016
I did not see the Lynn Swann hiring coming. Loved watching him win Super Bowls with the Steelers when I was a kid. #USC
— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) April 13, 2016
Has #USC made a big hire recently that didn't make you say, "wow, that's interesting."
— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) April 13, 2016
The University of Southern California: Only Trojans May Apply.
— Michael Castillo (@MichaelCastFS) April 13, 2016
No idea if it's a good or bad hire, but hiring Lynn Swann is like that message board post saying X program needs to hire former QB great.
— Ben Kercheval (@BenKercheval) April 13, 2016
Going to start writing in advance my 2040 story on Matt Leinart being named athletic director at USC
— Matt Brown (@MattBrownCFB) April 13, 2016
What's unfortunate for Lynn Swann, who by all accounts *is* qualified to be an AD somewhere, this kind of insular hire does him no favors.
— Michael Castillo (@MichaelCastFS) April 13, 2016
Lynn Swann has an impressive resume, but still must wonder why USC hires an athletic director with… no experience as an athletic director.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) April 13, 2016
Different domains of course, but Lynn Swann's experience in politics can't hurt in prep to be face of #USC Athletics.
— Jacob Freedman (@Jacob_Freedman) April 13, 2016
#USC has had only one athletic director (Mike McGee) who had experience as an A.D. before getting hired. Lynn Swann continues long tradition
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) April 13, 2016
#USC is probably only school in country with two straight athletic directors (Pat Haden, Lynn Swann) who belong to Augusta National
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) April 13, 2016
New #USC AD Lynn Swann's son, Braxton, is attending USC as a freshman in the fall. Played CB in HS, perhaps a potential walk-on to watch?
— Jacob Freedman (@Jacob_Freedman) April 13, 2016
Former Trojan Lynn Swann just named newest USC Athletic Director. Oh boy, do I love that hire! Fire me up! Get me to Labor Day! #FightOn
— Griffin Lee (@TheKidTheGuy) April 13, 2016
Lynn Swann= new USC AD. Might have a few people to win over in the athletic dept. Many were rooting for COO Steve Lopes, a 32 yr employee
— Lindsay Rhodes (@lindsay_rhodes) April 13, 2016
Congrats to Lynn Swann on being named #USC Athletic Director. Interviewed him years ago on @FOX2News. Smart. Classy. Competitive. #FightOn
— Alan Lee? (@AlanLLee) April 13, 2016
Stay tuned to Reign of Troy for more coverage of Lynn Swann’s hiring as USC athletic director.