Michigan Wolverines

Interim AD Hackett to help Michigan find his permanent replacement

Published Dec. 2, 2015 9:11 a.m. ET

foxsports

Jim Hackett did some important things for Michigan athletics in the past year, but his time as interim director of athletics is officially coming to an end.

The university announced Wednesday morning Hackett does not wish to be considered for the role in a permanent capacity, and it will launch a national search for his replacement.

“Jim Hackett has been an exceptional interim AD,” Michigan president Mark Schlissel said in a statement. “I could not have asked for more from a leader. He stepped up at a moment of need and has served the institution with great distinction. Personally, he has been a pleasure to work with and I will always owe him a debt of gratitude.

Since taking over for the fired Dave Brandon last fall, Hackett hired Jim Harbaugh as football coach, extended the contracts of both of the school's basketball coaches and negotiated a huge new apparel contract with Nike.

Hackett will be part of an advisory search committee that will work to find a new AD. The university also has hired Turnkey Search to assist in the process for a fee of $150,000.

Hackett will serve as athletic director until his successor is in place. He was hired Oct. 31, 2014, to replace Brandon after he resigned. He retired in February 2014, from Steelcase, a Michigan-based business that makes office furniture.

Possible candidates, all of whom are athletic directors with ties to Michigan, include Arkansas' Jeff Long, Connecticut's Warde Manuel, Boston College's Brad Bates and Colorado State's Joe Parker.

Hackett, a former Michigan football player, said in a statement the past year "has been incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally."

“I loved serving my university and appreciate the support I have received from everyone connected with Michigan. I am now pleased to assist President Schlissel in identifying U-M’s next permanent athletic director and ensuring a smooth transition.”

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.