Embattled Michigan AD Dave Brandon resigns

October 31, 2014 /
Embattled Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon resigned Friday, following weeks of criticism over the way he has handled the program.

The move was made official in a press conference Friday afternoon, where university President Mark Schlissel confirmed that Brandon resigned that morning. Jim Hackett, former CEO of Steelcase, was appointed interim director of athletics.

Hackett spoke briefly, pledging to do what’s necessary during the transition.

“This is a time for alumni to remember what has been special in their lives at this university,” he said.

Brandon, along with football coach Brady Hoke, faced widespread criticism for how the program handled an apparent concussion by quarterback Shane Morris during a loss to Minnesota.

Schlissel said the situation with Morris forced the university to review its procedures to develop ways to make student-athletes as safe as possible.

This week, the website MGoBlog.com published several email exchanges between Brandon and Michigan fans, some telling the fans to “find a new team to support” and “I really don’t care about your opinions.”

Students had already staged several protests calling for Brandon’s removal.

Schlissel said he didn’t know what factors forced Brandon to resign, but he first learned of Brandon’s intent to step down on Wednesday.

The university’s public affairs group was expected to release detailed terms of Brandon’s resignation later Friday, Schlissel said.


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