Pat Haden Among USC Trojans Named to List of Most Powerful in LA

Athletic director Pat Haden and a host of other USC-associated figures feature on the Daily News list of the “Top 50 Most Powerful in L.A. Sports.”

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Haden checks in at No. 14 on the list with his headline grabbing opinions and influence over the college football landscape.

Here’s what the Daily News had to say about Haden:

"The two-time national champion quarterback at USC isn’t shy about expressing his opinion, often finding himself in the news as a result. Haden’s status in the Los Angeles sports scene is only enhanced by the high profile of USC athletics, particularly the football program, which regularly makes headlines on and off the field. In addition to overseeing USC’s $88 million athletic budget, the former L.A. Rams quarterback, practicing attorney and broadcaster is one of the 13 members of the College Football Playoff selection committee."

There is no denying the power that Haden wields at USC. So much so that a spot outside of the top ten is just slightly perplexing.

The Trojan AD’s counterpart at UCLA, Dan Guerrero also picked up a mention at No. 28. Bruin head coach Jim Mora was named No. 33.

Trojan head coach Steve Sarkisian missed the list, but Tommy Trojan himself stands in for him at No. 34. Both the statue which stands in the center of campus and the Spirit of Troy’s drum major, who stabs the field before each game, were termed the “best recruiter in Los Angeles.”

If Tommy is the physical representation of USC’s brand, the selection makes perfect sense.

USC connections litter the list directly and indirectly, as one would expect from one of the more powerful institutions in Southern California.

The Rose Bowl, USC’s second home, appears at No. 20, while USC alumni Jeanie Buss holds the No. 7 spot as Dr. Jerry Buss’ heir as the face of Lakers’ ownership.

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Trojan fans who subscribe to DirecTV, and thus have no access to USC’s yearly drubbing of Colorado or other action on the Pac-12 Network, will recognize No. 19 on the list. Mike White, the chairman, CEO and president of DirecTV, earns a place as an infamous gatekeeper of Los Angeles’ viewing options.

Figures familiar to USC’s recruiting trail also feature.

At No. 38, JuJu Smith and Iman Marshall’s alma mater Long Beach Poly represents the high school sports scene in Los Angeles with 19 CIF championships in football and one of the most decorated collection of sports alumni in the country.

Another major player in the recruiting scene is Steve Clarkson, the quarterback guru responsible for grooming Matt Cassel, Matt Leinart, and Matt Barkley. He nabs a spot at No. 49. With another protege, Tate Martell, coming down the line, he’s likely to remain in the spotlight for USC and Los Angeles as a whole.