Back to the USC Trojans Newsfeed

Who are the top candidates to replace Pat Haden at USC?

There is only one question regarding USC’s next athletic director.

Will the Trojans hire someone from outside to replace Pat Haden, who is resigning at the end of June?

The last time USC hired an outsider as athletic director was in 1984, when Mike McGee left Cincinnati. The past two athletic directors — Mike Garrett and Haden — were former USC football players.

USC president Max Nikias promised Friday the “process will be national in scope,” but it remains to be seen if it will actually happen.

Here are the top candidates:

Steve Lopes, USC chief operating officer: If USC hires from within, Lopes is the natural choice.