USC Associate AD Mark Jackson named athletic director at Villanova


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Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Chief Innovation Officer Mark Jackson was named the athletic director at Villanova University on Tuesday.

Athletic Director Pat Haden, who’s worked alongside Jackson for about a half decade now, showed his support for Jackson.

“Mark Jackson was an incredible asset to the Trojan family and, while we are sad to see him leave Los Angeles, Villanova University has hired one of the best young minds in collegiate athletics today,” Haden said. “Mark has been an integral member in continuing our winning traditions in the classroom and on the field. His enormous impact on developing and implementing strategic plans, fundraising and managing our staff cannot be overstated.”

Jackson started out as the director of football administration from 2001 to 2004 alongside former head coach Pete Carroll. In 2003 he was also named the assistant athletic director in addition to his other responsibilities.

Jackson left USC in 2005 to become the executive senior associate athletic director at Syracuse University. He also served as the director of football development with the Oakland Raiders from 2007 to 2008 before returning to USC in 2009 as the senior associate athletic director.

After returning to USC, Jackson oversaw the construction of the McKay Center, Uytengsu Aquatics Center and Heritage Hall, as well as the athletic department’s relations with the Coliseum.

Jackson was also responsible for overseeing several teams at USC including football, baseball and women’s lacrosse and was in charge of the athletic support services, including sports medicine, strength and conditioning, nutrition, security and equipment and apparel operations.

Before his time at USC, Jackson worked as a coaching assistant with the New England Patriots for three seasons from 1998 to 2000, assisting with special teams and running backs.

Jackson will bring his nearly 20 years of experience to Villanova when he officially begins on Sept. 21.

“Villanova is an elite academic institution with a prestigious athletic brand, and I understand the responsibility I now have to uphold Villanova’s high standards for excellence,” Jackson said.  “I can’t wait to get started.”