Villanova’s Athletic Director is a possible target for open USC position

Happy Tuesday Nova Nation! When I hoped for some Villanova news yesterday, this is the opposite of what I was hoping for. With the resignation of Lynn Swan as USC’s Athletic Director, the Southern California power house is in search of someone new to lead their athletic department.

One of the early names to surface as a possible replacement is Villanova’s Athletic Director, Mark Jackson. Jackson has done a terrific job at Villanova since joining the University in 2015. He’s overseen both of Villanova basketball’s recent Championships, as well as a number of projects and improvements across Villanova Athletics. But his recent accomplishments are just part of the reason USC may come calling.

Jackson came to Villanova from USC, where he was a proven fundraiser as the Chief Innovation Officer. But possibly more important to USC than his school ties is his background in football. Jackson spent five years as the Director of Football Opperations and Assistant Athletic Director, working closely with Pete Carroll. His relationship with Carroll started when he was a special teams coach with the New England Patriots. Jackson would spend several years in both coaching and administrative roles in the NFL between the Patriots and the Oakland Raiders.

While Jackson is a strong candidate for the position, he’s probably not the first choice of USC. And hopefully for Wildcat fans, USC wouldn’t be his first choice either. We’ll keep an eye on this story as it develops, as it likely won’t take too long for USC to come to a decision as to who will replace Swan. While Wildcat fans of course wish the best for Mark Jackson whatever happens, they’re also hoping he would want to stay with the university where he’s already accomplished so much and only has more success ahead.

In other “news”, updates from the recruiting trail, Villanova’s Men’s and Women’s goalies both win Big East Goalie of the Week, and Jay Wright and Team USA qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Enjoy!

Mark Jackson

Early Lynn Swann replacement candidates emerge per reports | 247 Sports
Villanova's Mark Jackson has been mentioned as someone with AD experience, USC ties, and a strong football background.

USC needs an athletic director: 6 potential candidates | Pasadena Star News
Mark Jackson would have to make an extremely compelling case — and have serious internal support — because the Trojans are in desperate need of new blood.

Villanova Basketball Recruiting

Trinity basketball’s Chance Westry makes Rivals’ top 50 national ranking for Class of 2022 | pennlive.com
Westry had a near triple-double in the 3A state title game, and averaged 15.1 points as a freshman last season.

Fall basketball recruiting preview: Here’s who UK will watch | Lexington Herald Leader
College basketball coaches will be back on the recruiting trail Monday to start the NCAA fall recruiting period. Kentucky will be busy with targets including Terrence Clarke, Isaiah Todd, Jalen Green and others.

NBA Wildcats

From USA's coaching accolades to Rucky Rubio's heroics light up 2019 Basketball World Cup. | Olympic Channel
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Villanova Football

Big Sky makes early statement in STATS FCS Top 25 | FCS Football
Villanova continues to move up the rankings as they remain undefeated on the season.

NFL Wildcats

Chiefs vs. Jaguars: Tanoh Kpassagnon, Juan Thornhill and overlooked storylines | Arrowhead Addict
Let's take a closer look at some of the smaller plot lines easily missed when looking back at the Kansas City Chiefs opening win over the Jaguars.

Villanova Soccer

Philly Men’s College Soccer Week in Review | Philly College Sports
The Villanova Wildcats are off to the fast start with not only a 3 – 0 record, the Cats have yet to surrender a goal.

Williams Tabbed BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week | Villanova University Athletics
Carson Williams is the BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week.

Hancuff Earns Second BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week Honors; McInroy to Weekly Honor Roll | Villanova University Athletics
New York, N.Y.- Villanova sophomore goalkeeper Hensley Hancuff was named BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week as announced by the conference office Monday afternoon.

Wildcats Look to Extend Strong Start Tuesday Against Fordham | Villanova University Athletics
The Wildcats return to action Tuesday when they host Fordham at 4 p.m.

Villanova Athletics

Vermeil Continuing Winning Family Legacy | Villanova University Athletics
In Megan Vermeil's three-plus years as a Villanova Wildcat, she has changed. But that's nothing new; she's changed throughout her field hockey career.

Villanova University

University Of Pennsylvania Ranked Sixth-Best National University, U.S. News & World Report Says | CBS Philly
Villanova University tied for the 46th spot and Lehigh University was ranked the 50th best National University.