Univ. of Michigan interim AD Jim Hackett on Sunday at halftime of the UM-Michigan State basketball game said that the school "will host at least one night football game" in '15, according to Nick Baumgardner of MLIVE.com. Hackett added that home games against either MSU or OSU "are possibilities, just not both." Former AD Dave Brandon in previous years "always ruled out home night game possibilities" against MSU and OSU. OSU AD Gene Smith "was typically in agreement with Brandon on this matter, though MSU's Mark Hollis has seemed more open to the idea at times." Hackett said that either way, nothing is "really off the table at this point." He added, "I'm making a whole new scheduling engine." UM "has hosted three night games in Michigan Stadium history" (MLIVE.com, 2/1). The DETROIT NEWS noted UM plays MSU at home on Oct. 17 this year, "so weather should not be too much of an issue." UM played a night game at home against PSU last year. Hackett said that he "would like to make an announcement in the next few weeks regarding the night game" (DETROITNEWS.com, 2/1).
HACKETT'S FUTURE: MLIVE.com's Baumgardner notes many "have wondered" how long Hackett will remain as interim AD. Many "have also wondered whether or not he'd like to become the new, full-time," AD for "several years down the road." Hackett said that at this point, he is "still not sure." He currently is "only focused on the tasks at hand" inside UM's athletic department, including "stability within the department, advancement of facility upgrades, improved student-athlete experience and the experience for all fans attending any Michigan event" (MLIVE.com, 2/2).
