USC athletic director Pat Haden released a statement yesterday to emphasize how important he considers football.

Money quote: “I am optimistic that we can turn this thing around with Lane Kiffin at the helm. All of us at USC are working hard to do that.”

Full statement after the jump:

“I care as much about USC football as any of our fans. I completely understand the passion, and sometimes disappointment, fans can have. I share their disappointment. I am a fan too. I went to my first USC game as a 10-year-old with my father. I played here. I was a captain here. I realize that we have some challenges ahead of us, but I am optimistic that we can turn this thing around with Lane Kiffin at the helm. All of us at USC are working hard to do that.

“I also fully understand where football fits in the USC fabric. My job, however, is broader than one sport. I am as concerned about the basketball players, golfers and rowers as I am the football players. It is our job as administrators to cultivate an environment where every student-athlete is having an experience on and off the field that will shape him or her for the rest of their life.

“I believe that we can be consistently successful in every sport. I am optimistic about what I see for the next 12 months in our athletic programs.”