Michigan interim athletic director Jim Hackett will step down from his post, as the university announced Wednesday it has launched a search for a permanent replacement.
"Jim does not wish to be considered for the permanent AD role," university president Mark Schlissel said in a statement. "I have asked him to serve on the search advisory committee because he knows well what is required for the position to be successful. Great university citizen that he is, Jim has agreed to stay on until a permanent successor is in place."
Hackett, who will serve as the interim until a permanent replacement is hired, wanted to wait until the conclusion of the football team's regular season to make it official.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the University of Michigan and President Schlissel," Hackett said in a statement Wednesday. "This past year has been incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally, we have accomplished many great things."
During his 13 months on the job, Hackett hired football coach Jim Harbaugh, brokered a record-setting apparel deal with Nike and extended the contract of head basketball coach John Beilein. Hackett, the retired CEO of Steelcase furniture company and a former Wolverines football player, stepped in to replace Dave Brandon in October 2014.
Hackett kept the day-to-day responsibilities of running the athletic department at arm's length. He preferred to focus on big-picture items, rather than becoming entrenched in a job he wasn't sure he wanted.
"Jim Hackett has been an exceptional interim AD," 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."
Michigan has hired Turnkey Search to help look for a permanent replacement.
"I have decided that the time is right to launch a national search for a permanent athletic director," Schlissel said. "I will take as long as necessary to make sure it is a great fit for what I think is the best opportunity for an athletic director in the country."
There is no formal list of candidates for the job at this point, but some names with appropriate experience and Michigan ties include UConn athletic director Warde Manuel, Boston College athletic director Brad Bates and Colorado State athletic director Joe Parker.