Embattled Michigan AD Brandon resigns

Ann Arbor, MI (SportsNetwork.com) – Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon resigned Friday.

University president Mark Schlissel announced at a press conference that the embattled Brandon offered his resignation Friday morning and that he had accepted it.

Jim Hackett, a former Michigan football player and ex-CEO of furniture maker Steelcase, was named interim athletic director. His appointment is pending approval in November by the university’s Board of Regents.

“Jim is a highly experienced and respected business leader, a man of integrity and a devoted member of our Michigan community,” Schlissel said in making the announcement. “I am confident Jim will immediately begin the process of moving the department forward, including working closely with me to develop a plan to identify and recruit Michigan’s next permanent athletic director.”

Brandon had been under intense fire and scrutiny in recent weeks over the football program’s mishandling of quarterback Shane Morris’ head injury and issues with students’ ticket prices.

After taking a hard hit, Morris was allowed to keep playing in and then re- enter Michigan’s game against Minnesota on Sept. 27. He was later diagnosed with a mild concussion.

Students were upset when Brandon changed the student football section to general admission during the 2013 season and then had their season tickets raised to the highest prices in the Big Ten this fall.

Brandon became athletic director at his alma mater in 2010.

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