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Michigan Football Hires NFL Executive as General Manager

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 23:05 GMT by Jerry
      Locales: Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES

Ann Arbor, MI - February 24th, 2026 - The University of Michigan football program has announced a groundbreaking appointment, signaling a dramatic shift in how collegiate athletic programs are structured. Former NFL executive Brad Van Pelt has been named the new General Manager for the Wolverines' football team, a move poised to reshape the landscape of college football management.

The hiring, first reported by The Athletic's John Canzano, comes at a pivotal moment for the program, fresh off a period of sustained success and amid increasing complexity in the world of collegiate athletics - including navigating the transfer portal, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rights, and a constantly evolving recruiting landscape. The creation of a dedicated General Manager role, traditionally reserved for professional sports franchises, represents a significant investment in infrastructure and a clear commitment to remaining at the forefront of competition.

Van Pelt brings a wealth of experience to Ann Arbor, having spent over two decades in the NFL. His most recent role was as a special advisor to the Washington Commanders, but his resume boasts a substantial tenure with the New York Giants. During his time with the Giants, he ascended through the ranks, eventually holding positions as Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Player Personnel. Prior to New York, he contributed to the player personnel departments of the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts.

This isn't simply about adding another experienced voice to the coaching staff; it's a fundamental restructuring of how the program operates. Van Pelt's primary responsibilities will center around player personnel - scouting, recruitment, evaluation, and retention - but will extend to broader operational efficiencies. This includes managing the program's budget related to player acquisition and development, optimizing the use of data analytics in player evaluation, and ensuring compliance with increasingly complex NCAA regulations concerning transfers and NIL.

"Brad understands what it takes to build a winning organization," stated Head Coach Sherrone Moore in a press conference held earlier today. "His experience in identifying talent, building a strong roster, and streamlining operations will be invaluable as we continue to strive for championships. We've been consistently aggressive in upgrading every aspect of our program, and this is the next logical step."

The move is widely seen as a direct response to the challenges presented by the modern college football environment. The transfer portal, in particular, has created a constant state of flux, requiring programs to be proactive in both retaining existing players and identifying potential replacements. The rise of NIL deals has added another layer of complexity, forcing programs to navigate a new world of player compensation and ensuring equitable opportunities for all athletes.

Experts predict that Michigan's decision could spark a trend across the nation. "We're likely to see other programs follow suit," commented ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit in a recent broadcast. "The demands on head coaches have become overwhelming. They're expected to be recruiters, fundraisers, tacticians, and public relations experts. Delegating player personnel to a dedicated GM allows the head coach to focus on coaching and leading the team."

Some traditionalists have expressed concerns about the "professionalization" of college sports, arguing that it detracts from the amateur ideals upon which the NCAA was founded. However, proponents counter that these changes are necessary to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of college football in the face of evolving economic and regulatory pressures. The Wolverines, under Moore's leadership, appear firmly in the latter camp. They recognize that adapting to the new reality is not merely about survival, but about thriving.

Van Pelt is already on the ground in Ann Arbor, beginning the process of familiarizing himself with the current roster and evaluating the program's existing personnel structure. The upcoming spring practice will be a crucial period for him to assess the team's strengths and weaknesses and begin implementing his vision for the future. The focus will likely be on both high school recruiting for the 2027 and 2028 classes, as well as identifying potential transfer targets who can immediately contribute to the team's success.

The appointment of Brad Van Pelt signifies more than just a new hire; it represents a paradigm shift in college football management. The Michigan Wolverines are betting big on a professionalized approach, and the rest of the college football world will be watching closely to see if it pays off.