USC's Pat Haden Steps Down From Playoff Committee

After facing a slew of health concerns over the past year, USC athletic director Pat Haden has stepped down from his role on the College Football Playoff Committee. The news was announced on Friday when Haden released the following statement saying, "I am reluctant to step down, but my doctors advised me to reduce my traveling." 

The committee will continue on through its selection process with 12 members rather than 13 and will nominate a new PAc-12 athletic director to take Haden's place next year. Commissioner Larry Scott announced his support for Haden along with many other members of the committee including executive director Bill Hancock. 

Without the stress of committee meetings and intense traveling requirements, Haden will be able to fully concentrate on the USC athletics program and in selecting a new head coach for the Football program specifically. 

"With the weekly CFP meetings about to start and the travel commitment involved, I had to make the difficult decision. I feel it is in the best interest of the CFP and also of USC, with our current football coaching change and our upcoming Coliseum renovation," he said.