USC Appoints Jennifer Cohen as New Athletic Director
LOS ANGELES – The University of Southern California (USC) has announced the hiring of Jennifer Cohen as its new athletic director. Cohen, who previously served as the athletic director at the University of Washington (UW), will replace Mike Bohn, who retired in May.
Cohen, a West Coast native, has spent the majority of her career in Washington. She joined UW’s athletic department in 1998 and worked her way up through the ranks before ultimately earning the top job in 2016. During her tenure, Washington football achieved national prominence, boasting a record of 58-25 in seven seasons. Cohen’s recent hire, Kalen DeBoer, led the Huskies to an impressive 11-2 record in 2022 and a spot in the Preseason AP Top 25 at No. 10.
In a statement, Cohen expressed her excitement about joining USC and the Trojan family. “I have long admired the Trojan spirit and USC community’s commitment to always Fight On with integrity and absolute dedication in pursuit of excellence both on and off the field,” she said. “It is the honor of a lifetime to come back to Southern California to serve as USC’s director of athletics.”
Cohen’s appointment comes at a critical moment for USC’s athletic department. Bohn retired citing health issues, but allegations of a hostile work environment and inappropriate behavior with female employees were reported by the Los Angeles Times. Cohen, as the Pac-12’s only full-time female athletic director, will continue to break barriers in her new role at USC.
USC president Carol Folt praised Cohen’s qualifications and leadership abilities. “Jen Cohen really stood out for her experience, her dedication to students and their success, and her known strengths as a team builder,” Folt said. “She is a fierce competitor who shares with all Trojans a determination to win the right way. I’m confident she’ll lead a culture of integrity, teamwork, and commitment to success.”
In addition to her responsibilities as athletic director, Cohen will oversee USC’s transition to the Big Ten conference in 2024. She will also be tasked with building a winning program around football coach Lincoln Riley, who recently joined USC after signing a lucrative contract rumored to be worth over $100 million.
Cohen’s role on the College Football Playoff committee, to which she was elevated in March, adds another layer of complexity to her new position. With eight of the Pac-12’s 12 schools scheduled to leave the conference in 2024, it remains uncertain how the committee will evolve. Two other committee members, Michigan AD Warde Manuel and former Nebraska guard Will Shields, have affiliations with the Big Ten.
As Cohen takes the helm at USC, she brings with her a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence. With her leadership, the Trojan family can look forward to a bright future both on and off the field.
How does Jennifer Cohen’s track record of success in athletic administration make her the ideal fit for USC?
Lence. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the USC athletic department and build upon its storied history.”
USC President Carol L. Folt praised Cohen’s leadership abilities and track record of success. “Jennifer brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience to USC. Her proven track record in athletic administration, combined with her commitment to the student-athlete experience and academic achievements, make her the ideal fit for our university,” said Folt.
Cohen will be responsible for overseeing USC’s 21 intercollegiate athletic teams and guiding the department’s strategic direction. She will also be tasked with managing the department’s finances, facilities, and fundraising efforts. USC has a rich athletic tradition, and Cohen will be expected to continue that legacy while also prioritizing the welfare and development of student-athletes.
Cohen’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for USC athletics. The department has faced significant challenges in recent years, including the fallout from the college admissions scandal, NCAA investigations, and allegations of impropriety within the athletic department. Cohen’s experience in navigating complex situations and her commitment to integrity will be invaluable in leading USC through these challenges and rebuilding trust within the community.
As she takes on this new role, Cohen becomes one of only a handful of female athletic directors at Power Five Conference schools. Her appointment represents a significant step forward in diversifying leadership roles in college athletics and provides inspiration for aspiring female sports administrators.
Cohen is set to begin her tenure as USC’s athletic director on August 23rd, 2022. She is eager to hit the ground running and work alongside the Trojan community to bring USC athletics back to national prominence. “This is an exciting time for USC athletics, and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work,” said Cohen. “Together, we will build a culture of championship success, academic excellence, and personal growth for our student-athletes.”
