Per Mark Snyder and David Jesse of the Detroit Free Press, Michigan is expected to conduct a search in the near future to find a replacement for interim athletic director Jim Hackett, who is expected to step down, possibly within the next month.

Hackett, who has been responsible for the hiring of Jim Harbaugh, the program's transition to Nike, and a contract extension for basketball coach John Beilein, has largely been hailed for the progress the athletic department has found under his watch after a tumultuous tenure for David Brandon, who was relieved of his duties last October.

Among the potential candidates for the permanent athletic director spot are UConn athletic director Warde Manuel and former Oregon State athletic director Bob DeCarolis, who was brought on by Hackett for advising purposes. Hackett has previously said DeCarolis is not a candidate for the permanent job, but his name has been thrown around in the past.