USC Morning Buzz: A Defense Of Max Nikias

First, some of you think Carol Folt doesn’t care about sports. Loved being here with these @USC_Athletics graduates for the @USCAnnenberg commencement. They said that being back at the @lacoliseum was like playing in a home game! #uscgrad #2020Trojan #2021Trojan pic.twitter.com/X960hfhJxM — Carol Folt (@PresidentFolt) May 19, 2021 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Meanwhile, a USC alumnus sent me this regarding Max Nikias still getting paid millions by the … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: A Defense Of Max Nikias

Why Did Max Nikias Get A Golden Parachute?

If you are upset USC has been paying millions to Max Nikias for several years after he resigned, there’s a reason for it. More than a few members of the Board of Trustees did not want Nikias to resign in 2018 despite all the scandals that rocked his presidency. So he got an incredible “golden parachute” on his way out the door. Just remember that … Continue reading Why Did Max Nikias Get A Golden Parachute?

Max Nikias Still Getting Millions From USC

USC’s federal tax returns show Max Nikias is still the highest-paid employee on campus per USA Today! Excerpt: “According to the university’s just-released tax filings, Nikias received another $5.2 million in compensation — more than any other university employee. His base pay was $1.4 million. He also received $1.5 million in “bonus and incentive” pay, plus another $1.9 million in “other reportable compensation,” including lodging costs for … Continue reading Max Nikias Still Getting Millions From USC

USC Morning Buzz: The Cost Of Buyouts

Since the salary of Clay Helton was in the news Monday, and there is always talk of a about this buyout, let’s look at what USC would pay for some other coaches: Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell has a $3.5 million buyout. Iowa State coach Matt Campbell has a $4 million buyout. Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck has a $4.5 million buyout. These buyouts are pretty similar. … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: The Cost Of Buyouts

For Different Reasons, USC Overpays Coaches

USC released its federal tax returns today, which are awful for a couple different reasons. Clay Helton made $4.813 million for the fiscal year July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020. Helton made $4.569 million in 2018-19. That salary is not unreasonable for the football coach at USC. But it is a ridiculous sum for coach of Helton’s stature and ability. The return USC gets is outrageous, … Continue reading For Different Reasons, USC Overpays Coaches

Remembering The Trojan Barrel

As so often happens when I write about USC history, after initially writing about a subject I learn more through readers and more research. I asked if anyone remembered Stubby Shaw on Friday. In 1955, Shaw opened “Stubby’s Trojan Barrel” bar near USC. Many students simply called it “Stubby’s.” Around 1965, it was purchased by Marlin and Mike McKeever. I’m not sure how long the … Continue reading Remembering The Trojan Barrel