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| Brandon steps down as Michigan AD |
Univ. of Michigan President
Mark Schlissel on Friday held a press conference to formally announce that
AD Dave Brandon has resigned and to name Northwestern Mutual Life trustee and Michigan alumnus
Jim Hackett interim AD. Hackett takes the position effective immediately, though it is pending formal approval by the Board of Regents at its next meeting. Schlissel said that he and Hackett would work together to "develop a plan to identify and recruit" a permanent AD. He added he did "not have a particular time frame" for naming the next AD.
Schlissel thanked Brandon for his "long service and lifelong commitment" to the school, citing his charitable activities and his efforts to improve facilities. While Schlissel did not specifically refer to the controversy over QB Shane Morris' concussion or fan protests, he said, "Recent events have only reinforced my belief that it is important to listen and engage in dialogue with all of our stakeholders." Hackett noted he inherits an athletic department in "great financial condition." Further details on the exact terms of Brandon's resignation were to be released later on Friday (THE DAILY).
Hackett in February retired after two decades as CEO of Grand Rapids-based office furniture manufacturer Steelcase, where he is "credited with steering the company through a major reorganization" (MLIVE.com, 10/31).
