Cobb, Who Has Suit Against USC, Applies for Athletic Director Job

Marvin Cobb has applied for the USC athletic directorship, two years after filing a lawsuit against the university and former Athletic Director Mike McGee.

Cobb, USC’s assistant athletic director for administration until August of 1991, said this week he wants to return to Heritage Hall despite a two-year dispute with McGee, who was named athletic director at South Carolina last month.

Cobb alleged in a complaint that he lost a promised promotion because he voiced concerns about the athletic department’s academic support system for black athletes. The case is scheduled for trial in Los Angeles Superior Court in February.

Labeled a maverick in athletic ranks, Cobb was transferred to the USC School of Medicine in August of 1991. He recently was named director of development in the school’s Office of Minority Affairs.

Cobb was a USC football and baseball player in the early 1970s, and played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1975-81.

A 16-member committee to review applicants for McGee’s vacancy was announced Thursday. Pat Haden, a former Trojan quarterback who is a lawyer and USC trustee, is chairman of the group. Some of the other members are Cheryl Miller, a former Trojan basketball star; Travis Hannah, a senior flanker this season; Lynn Swann, a former Pittsburgh Steeler All-Pro wide receiver; James M. Dennis, vice president for student affairs, and Cornelius J. Pings, USC provost and vice president for academic affairs.