092714_SPT_UMvsMinn_Tailgat.JPG

Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon makes his way into Michigan Stadium before the Wolverines' game against Minnesota on Saturday, September 27, 2014. Melanie Maxwell | The Ann Arbor News

(Melanie Maxwell | The Ann Arbor News)

ANN ARBOR -- The vitriolic atmosphere surrounding Michigan football has produced a breeding ground for demands that those responsible be fired.

At or near the top of that list sits Dave Brandon. The Michigan athletic director hired embattled head coach Brady Hoke, oversees a program that recently botched a player injury situation and has lost nine of its last 13 games.

That, coupled with the long-held belief of some Michigan backers that Brandon brings too much of a corporate feel to U-M athletics, and the calls for the AD's job are now at appreciable levels. In the last 24 hours, fans have organized a "Fire Dave Brandon" rally for Tuesday night on campus and a student petition calling for his ouster that has over 6,000 signatures.

All those calling for fifth-year athletic director’s job, though, would be better to offer money instead of signatures.

According to Brandon’s contract, if he's terminated before July 1, 2016, the 62-year-old will receive his remaining base salary and an amount equal to his remaining deferred compensation as of the date of his termination.

That sum if he’s fired this year: $3 million.

That’s in addition to the $900,000 base salary Brandon is due to earn in 2014-15.

Brandon’s $3 million buyout represents his base salaries of $950,000 in 2015-16, $1 million in 2016-17 and $1.05 million in 2017-18. He is due to earn an additional $850,000 in deferred compensation over the course of his contract, but won't be eligible to receive those funds if he's not employed by the school.

His next deferred compensation payment is due on Feb. 27, 2015 in the amount of $150,000. The last deferred compensation he received ($150,000) came on Feb. 28, 2014.

Brandon's current contract is signed through June 30, 2018. The university reworked his deal in July 2012, extending his original five-year contract following Brandon's first two years at U-M.

Coinciding with that extension was a healthy raise.

Brandon's 2011 base pay was $600,000 with the opportunity for bonuses, of which he received $165,000 in bonuses and $100,000 in deferred compensation.

Under the extension, Brandon’s base salary was bumped up to $800,000 for 2012-13 with $50,000 raises in each of the following years in the deal, eventually reaching $1.05 million in 2017-18.

His potential bonus earnings also jumped from $165,000 to 200,000, while his yearly deferred compensation credits rose from $100,000 in 2012-13 to $200,000 in 2016 and $250,000 in 2018.

Brandon’s contract also assures him tickets to university athletic events, the use of two automobiles for he and his wife, free use of the university's golf courses, and other perks.

As for Brandon’s buyout, while full compensation is required if he’s terminated before July 1, 2016, he’ll receive 50 percent of his remaining base salary and 50 percent of an amount equal to his remaining deferred compensation if fired after that date.

According to his contract, however, those payouts could change if Brandon “becomes employed by another employer,” giving the university the “right to reduce any remaining severance.” What’s interesting here is that the general term “another employer,” instead of specifying if Brandon goes to another university. A former chief executive officer at Ann Arbor-based Domino's Pizza, Brandon’s employment opportunities stretch far from the scope of collegiate athletics.

In order to be fired with cause, the university would have to prove a failure to perform any of his duties, conviction of a felony charge, conduct that "offends against public decency or morality," the committing of an intentional or major NCAA violation.

Brandon, a Michigan alumnus, former Wolverines football player and former U-M regent, left his position with Domino's Pizza's in 2010 to become Michigan's athletic director. As Domino's CEO, Brandon made $3.2 million in 2008.

RELATED: Brady Hoke's buyout $2 million if Michigan fires him

Brendan F. Quinn covers University of Michigan basketball and football. Follow him on Twitter for the latest on Wolverines hoops. He can be contacted at bquinn@mlive.com