Mike Bohn, USC athletic director, announces resignation
Mike Bohn stepped down from his role as USC’s athletic director on Friday, according to a report.
The Los Angeles Times’ Ryan Kartje was first to report that news. Bohn released the following statement via the LA Times:
“After more than 40 years of college athletics leadership, it is the right time to step away from my position as Director of Athletics at the University of Southern California. I have dedicated my life to serving student-athletes and advancing the enterprise of intercollegiate athletics. 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. As a former student-athlete myself, my purpose and identity are rooted in supporting young people as they pursue their athletic, academic, and personal goals. 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.”
Bohn’s statement acknowledges “ongoing health challenges” that could have contributed to this decision.
He has served as USC’s athletic director since 2019. He previously held the same title at Cincinnati, Colorado, San Diego State and Idaho. He has been an athletic director since 1998.
Bohn, 62, leaves a strong legacy behind as USC’s athletic director. Despite his short time at the helm, he helped secure USC’s place in the college football landscape by moving the Trojans to the Big Ten beginning in 2024. He also hired head coach Lincoln Riley away from Oklahoma after the 2021 season.