Officially Official: Dave Brandon Has Resigned

As first reported by ESPN's Brett McMurphy, David Brandon has officially resigned as Michigan's director of athletics effective tomorrow.

"This morning I accepted the resignation of athletic director David Brandon." UM president Mark Schlissel told the assembled media and those watching on TV/interwebs at today's news conference.

While it was not one single event led to Brandon's resignation...more likely a combination of many many many things that went wrong over the course of his tenure as Michigan's AD. There were a lot of things you can point to as things Brandon definitely got right, including the financial health of the department which improved considerably during his time as AD as well as numerous facility upgrades spanning the entire department.

But of course, the mounting communication issues, unprecedented lack of student/alumni/donor support, and just embarrassing moments altogether...especially this football season alone, were enough to persuade him to step down.

It's no mystery that had the Michigan football program been winning more games these last two seasons, Brandon's fate would've been much different. Brandon was completely tied to Brady Hoke whom he hired in 2011, who's fate is also in jeopardy once the season ends. It's all about wins and losses.

The settlement terms of Brandon's resignation have been disclosed. He will receive $3 million over the course of the next 4 years as part of his contract buyout. If he takes another job before his final monthly payout in 2018, his Michigan compensation will be reduced. He will keep medical coverage until next June. He will keep his two university cars until 2015.

Brandon will also retain two Regent Emeritus positions for football, hockey and men's basketball. Interestingly, as stipulated by the contract, Brandon will assist both President Schlissel and the interim AD on "issues associated with transition including but not limited to the negotiation of various transitional matters"…whatever that means.

Brandon is also forbidden from releasing any "disparaging statements regarding the University, Athletic Department, the Board of Regents, and their employees, representatives, or agents."

Former Steelcase CEO Jim Hackett has been named as Brandon's interim successor until a permanent AD can be hired. Hackett will be empowered to make key decisions about the future of Michigan's football head coaching position.