Dec 02, 2015 02:08 PM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

When David Brandon resigned in Oct. 2014 from his job as the University of Michigan's (UM) athletic director, the school's historic football team in a state of turmoil.

Not only did the team have a losing record, but quarterback Shane Morris was inexplicably left in a game after staggering to stay upright after sustaining a helmet-to-helmet hit. The oversight had UM football fans calling for Brandon's job.

Brandon obliged and resigned shortly after. After Michigan finished their season, 5-7 overall and 3-5 in the Big Ten, interim athletic director Jim Hackett fired head football coach Brady Hoke.

By the end of the calendar year, Hackett hired Jim Harbaugh to be the Wolverines next head coach. 11 months later, Michigan closed its season 9-3 overall and 6-2 in the Big Ten, having narrowly missed a shot at the conference title game and certainly en route to a bowl game.

In 13 months as UM's interim AD, Hackett hired the football coach that turned the program around seemingly overnight, inked a massive apparel deal with Nike, and extended the contract of both the men's and women's basketball coaches.

On Wednesday, UM President Mark Schlissel announced Hackett would not be considered for the permanent AD job now that a national search is underway. In his statement, Schlissel said it was Hackett's choice to not to pursue the job.

"Jim Hackett has been an exceptional interim A.D.," Schlissel said. "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."

Hackett will remain the school's interim AD until a permanent replacement is hired and will sit on the search committee as well.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the University of Michigan and President Schlissel. This past year has been incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally, we have accomplished many great things," Hackett said in the statement. "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."

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