USC athletic director Pat Haden to step down in June

LOS ANGELES (AP) — University of Southern California athletic director Pat Haden will retire June 30, ending his guidance of the Trojans through a tumultuous period in the school's history.

USC President Max Nikias made the announcement today. He also said Haden will start a one-year job guiding the renovation of the Coliseum after he retires.

"Pat has accomplished USC's objectives here through his distinct blend of integrity, energy, wisdom, and character," Nikias said in a letter announcing the decision.

Haden has run USC's athletic department for 5 1/2 years, taking over from Mike Garrett in 2010 with a primary mandate to lead the Trojans through a multiyear stretch of NCAA sanctions against its vaunted football program.

USC endured a two-year bowl ban, probation and significant scholarship losses for alleged misdeeds surrounding Heisman Trophy-winning tailback Reggie Bush during the tenure of former coach Pete Carroll.

The 63-year-old Haden also persevered through recent health problems and the ongoing saga of coach Steve Sarkisian's firing last fall.

"It has been a tremendous honor serving my alma mater, a school I love so much, as well as serving Max Nikias, our coaches and staff and, most importantly, our student-athletes," Haden said.