Report: Michigan set to hire Bears chief of staff Sean Magee as associate AD, football GM

The Michigan Wolverines are brining back someone with ties to Jim Harbaugh to be their next associate AD and general manger for football.

According to Matt Zenitz, the Wolverines are set to hire Sean Magee, the Chief of Staff for the Chicago Bears, for the position. He reported the news on Saturday, as Michigan deals with a whirlwind of change.

“Michigan is expected to hire Chicago #Bears chief of staff Sean Magee as a senior associate AD and general manager for football, sources tell @247sports,” Zenitz posted on X. “Magee was previously associate AD for football at Michigan for five years under Jim Harbaugh before leaving for the Bears.“

As Zenitz mentioned, Magee has ties to Harbaugh and the Wolverines, previously serving the program for five years before joining Chicago. Now, he’ll return to work with Sherrone Moore and the defending national champions.

Michigan’s beginning to take shape for 2024, as they enter a season of change. They’ll be hoping it doesn’t stop them from repeating next season though. Only time will tell if they’re able to do so.

More on Michigan Wolverines, hiring of Don ‘Wink’ Martindale as defensive coordinator

Moreover, the move comes after the Michigan Wolverines made their hire at defensive coordinator on the first coaching staff of Sherrone Moore on Friday, bringing on former New York Giants defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale.

“Michigan is planning to hire former Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale as its defensive coordinator, per sources,” Schefter posted. “Deal still is being finalized but it is not expected to be an issue. Martindale will replace Jesse Minter, who became the Chargers defensive coordinator.”

Earlier this offseason, Martindale unceremoniously parted-ways with the Giants after clashing with head coach Brian Daboll. A lot of eyes both inside and outside the New York area have been waiting on Martindale’s next move, and now we know he’s headed to Ann Arbor as they enter a new era. 

This marks a return to the college game for Martindale, who’s been in the NFL since 2004. The last time he had to recruit was in 2003 at Western Kentucky. It’ll certainly be a change for the 60-year-old defensive mind. 

Moreover, Martindale will bring his history of blitzing as much as possible to the Wolverines, as he’s as aggressive as they come for a defensive coordinator. Additionally, perhaps his feud with Daboll has humbled him a bit, which could make him easier to work with for Moore. Regardless, we’re sure if there were any questions of Martindale’s potential synergy with Michigan, he wouldn’t have been hired.

It’s going to be interesting to see how Don “Wink” Martindale does at Michigan after almost two decades in the NFL. Time will tell, but it’s going to be a different look for the Wolverines in 2024.