In a stunning move, USC athletic director Mike Bohn has resigned.
He announced the move Friday in a statement to the Los Angeles Times.
Bohn, 62, did not give any reason for his resignation, although he mentioned “ongoing health challenges” in the statement.
However, the surprise nature and timing of his resignation, along with a statement from USC that mentioned, “now is the time for new direction grounded in our values …” raised questions among some observers about what really happened.
Bohn’s statement noted in part, “I will always be proud of leading the program out of the most tumultuous times in the history of the profession and at USC with a restored reputation and national milestone accomplishments. I led the process to join the Big 10 Conference, hired marquee Head Coaches, produced the highest graduation rate in school history and won numerous national and conference championships.
“I have been fortunate to have had so many wonderful opportunities and met so many terrific people, and I depart wishing the very best to all with whom I worked and served. In moving on, it is important now that I focus on being present with my treasured family, addressing ongoing health challenges, and reflecting on how I can be impactful in the future.”
BREAKING: Mike Bohn has resigned from his position as USC’s athletic director effective immediately, @latimessports has learned: https://t.co/0SpGuSUqK7
— Ryan Kartje (@Ryan_Kartje) May 19, 2023
Bohn had held the post since replacing former AD Lynn Swann in November 2019. He has earned praise for reviving the USC athletic program. He made the decision to hire Lincoln Riley as the head football coach, and the Trojans had national championship aspirations last season. The men’s basketball team has made the NCAA Tournament three straight seasons and has landed a heralded recruiting class that includes Bronny James.
Bohn also orchestrated USC’s move from the Pac-12 to the Big 10, where the Trojans begin play in 2024.
In a statement, USC President Carol Folt praised Bohn for his accomplishments, but her comments raised questions with many observers.
“Over the last four years, the USC athletics department has transformed into a national powerhouse,” Folt said (via Chron.com). “In our singular pursuit of excellence, I am committed to ensuring we have the right leadership in place to achieve our goals. As part of that commitment and as we prepare to move to the Big Ten, we conducted a thorough review of the athletics department, including its operations, culture, and strategy.
“Having built a strong foundation over the last few years, now is the time for new direction grounded in our values and in expertise needed to fulfill our aspirational vision for Trojan athletics.”
Bohn’s resignation stunned the college sports world. Yet some people wondered if there’s more to this story that is about to drop.
If Mike Bohn really does have health issues, I hope he has a safe and speedy recovery.
But this statement from the USC school president does not read like the reaction of a person who just had a key employee resign for "health reasons." pic.twitter.com/CBHVFBiJVK
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) May 19, 2023
Mike Bohn was USC AD for 4 years and may go down as the best in USC’s entire history https://t.co/nzW9hU7gcQ
— LA (@LASportsFanatic) May 19, 2023
Just spoke to USC AD Mike Bohn. He confirmed his resignation from USC and said both sides parted amicably. He said he loves the university and industry. Bohn said: “It’s a great time with USC’s emergence into the Big Ten for new leadership to move the program forward.”
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) May 19, 2023
Thank you for everything Mike! Been a long long time since we were relevant in so many sports (including football, basketball, and baseball). Wish you the best!
— JB (@theqbwhisperer2) May 19, 2023
Hope Mike Bohn takes care of himself and can fight through whatever health challenges he is facing.
— Eric Tang (@theEricTang) May 19, 2023
All best to @USC_mikebohn Hope you’re well and thank you for everything.
— Sherry Stern 🎭✈️ 😇✌🏻 (@sherrystern) May 19, 2023
Scandal incoming?
— Mike Oxlong (@99coug) May 19, 2023
The Mike Bohn era ending abruptly is sure something.
Obviously time will continue to flesh out his legacy, but as it stands…today seemingly ends the best USC AD tenure in decades. The juxtaposition of his run vs. those of unqualified alums before him was jarring.
— Michael Castillo (@MichaelCastFS) May 19, 2023
[Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times]
