Jim Hackett: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on Michigan AD's Future

Joseph ZuckerDec 1, 2015

The Michigan Wolverines are ready to search for a more permanent option to take over as athletic director and replace interim AD Jim Hackett.

Continue for updates.

Michigan Announces Search for Permanent AD

Wednesday, Dec. 2

The University of Michigan confirmed it is looking for a replacement for Hackett, via Rick Fitzgerald of the University Record, who spoke to University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel:

"
"I have decided that the time is right to launch a national search for a permanent athletic director," said Schlissel, who will personally chair the search advisory committee. The president said he did not have a specific timetable in mind.
"I will take as long as necessary to make sure it is a great fit for what I think is the best opportunity for an athletic director in the country."
"

Timeline for Hackett's Departure Revealed

Tuesday, Dec. 1

David Jesse and Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press reported Hackett will step down when a new hire is made official.

Hackett Had Major Impact on Wolverines During Tenure

Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman argued Hackett has already left a significant legacy on the athletic department:

The football program in particular was in somewhat dire straits following Dave Brandon's disastrous tenure as AD. Not only did Hackett help right the ship, but he brought a level of optimism to Michigan football not seen since the late 1990s by hiring the former San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh.

He has also had a significant commercial impact on the school, per Jesse and Snyder:

"
After a series of visits and meetings with Under Armour, Adidas and Nike, U-M signed what was considered the largest apparel agreement in history in early July, a deal that lasts 11 years for a total of $122.3 million. U-M has an option to extend it four more years (for a total of $169 million). Texas signed a Nike deal in October that reportedly will be for a higher total: $250 million over 15 years.
"

Alejandro Zuniga of SB Nation's Maize n Brew praised Hackett for his work over the last year and change:

The Wolverines have one of the most lucrative athletic departments in the country. According to USA Today, they brought in $157,899,820 in total revenue in the last year on record.

Michigan will have no shortage of suitors interested in taking over as AD, and the problems it experienced under Brandon illustrate the need to truly land the right man or woman for the job.