USC Hires Schubert as Coach : Swimming: Daland’s replacement, who developed the Mission Viejo Nadadore program, also will be the director of aquatics.

University of Texas Coach Mark Schubert, the man who developed the Mission Viejo Nadadore swimming program, is returning to Southern California after a seven-year absence to become coach of the USC men’s team and director of USC aquatics.

“It was always a goal to return some day,” Schubert said after he had been hired Monday. “And this is the best of all possible circumstances.”

Schubert, the 1992 U.S. women’s Olympic coach, replaces Peter Daland, who retired April 21 after compiling a 318-31-1 record and winning nine NCAA titles in 35 years.

USC did not have to sell Schubert on the job, and Athletic Director Mike McGee removed any hitches when he agreed to several stipulations, including a long-term contract and Schubert’s control of pool time.

As aquatics director, Schubert, 43, will direct local and national meets at USC Swim Stadium and will be involved in coaching USC’s swim club, Team Trojan, and directing its summer camp.

Since winning 44 national titles at Mission Viejo from 1972-85, Schubert has been on the move.

He started the Mission Bay Makos in Boca Raton, Fla., and won nine titles in three years. Then he went to Austin, Tex., and won 10 titles with the Texas Aquatics and the 1990 and ’91 NCAA championships with the Texas women’s team.

“This definitely could be my last stop,” Schubert said. “I’m thrilled about that possibility.”

Schubert’s swimmers have broken 21 world records, 97 American records and won 11 Olympic gold medals, six Olympic silver medals and 159 individual national titles.