USC athletic director Pat Haden to step down in June

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Pat Haden, who has announced his intention to retire from his role as athletic director, effective June 30, 2016”, University of Southern California President C.L. Max Nikias stated in the email. Despite criticisms, during his tenure as athletic director Haden helped raise over $400 million for the athletic department – which is one of the major reason’s he’s being retained to oversee the Coliseum’s renovations and help with fundraising. He created a large NCAA compliance program and improved graduation rates and grade point averages across the athletic department.

Since Haden moved from USC trustee to athletic director in August 2010, USC teams have won 10 national championships, a figure exceeded only by University of Florida’s 11 during the same period.

“He took on this role at a time when the department faced unprecedented pressure, externally and internally, requiring nothing less than a Herculean effort to rebuild its foundation for the long term”, Nikias said in a statement Friday. Haden played for the Rams from 1976-81 before becoming a broadcaster, a practicing attorney and a successful partner of a private equity firm. Haden has had some recent health problems. Haden said Sarkisian was sacked for failing to meet the school’s standards and expectations, dismissing media reports that said Sarkisian’s alcohol consumption habits were well known.

Most recently, Haden named offensive coordinator Clay Helton the full-time head coach after serving as an interim for most of the 2015 season.