Whittingham ushers in new era, parting ways with GM Sean Magee. The "NIL architect" departs as Michigan football undergoes a significant leadership shift.
In a move that signals a definitive shift in the leadership philosophy of Michigan football, the Wolverines have officially parted ways with General Manager Sean Magee. The decision, confirmed on February 17, 2026, comes as new head coach Kyle Whittingham continues to reshape the program’s front office and coaching staff in his own image following the dismissal of Sherrone Moore.
Magee’s departure marks the end of a pivotal, albeit brief, second chapter with the program. Known as the "architect of the NIL resurgence," Magee was widely credited with modernization of Michigan’s approach to the transfer portal and recruiting in the post-Jim Harbaugh era.
The Magee Legacy: NIL and the "Unicorn" Program
When Sean Magee returned to Ann Arbor in early 2024 after a stint as the Chief of Staff for the NFL’s Chicago Bears, he inherited a program that was traditionally hesitant to embrace the "pay-for-play" landscape of modern college football.
Magee, a former Naval officer, brought a disciplined, analytical approach to the General Manager role. He famously labeled Michigan a "unicorn"—a program capable of offering elite-level athletics, Ivy League-level academics, and a massive, well-connected alumni network. Under his guidance, Michigan’s NIL war chest grew significantly, allowing the Wolverines to compete for—and land—top-tier talent that had previously eluded them.
His most notable achievement was the instrumental role he played in the recruitment and retention of high-profile prospects, including the pursuit of five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood. Magee’s ability to bridge the gap between the athletic department and the university's donor base transformed Michigan from an NIL afterthought into a perennial threat on the recruiting trail.
The Whittingham Transition
The catalyst for Magee’s exit appears to be the hire of Kyle Whittingham. After Sherrone Moore was let go following a tumultuous 2025 season, Whittingham—the longtime Utah coach—was brought in to restore stability and culture to Schembechler Hall.
In college football, the role of the General Manager is increasingly becoming an extension of the head coach’s personal staff. While Magee was highly respected for his acumen, Whittingham’s decision to move on suggests a desire for a "clean slate." History shows that when a veteran coach like Whittingham takes over a major program, they often prefer a personnel lead with whom they have established trust and a shared scouting language.
What’s Next for Michigan and Magee?
For Michigan, the search for a new General Manager will be a litmus test for Whittingham’s vision. The program needs someone who can maintain the NIL momentum Magee generated while aligning perfectly with Whittingham’s renowned developmental philosophy.
As for Sean Magee, he remains one of the most coveted executives in the sport. Throughout 2025, rumors swirled that he was a top candidate for the Athletic Director position at his alma mater, Navy. While he ultimately stayed at Michigan through that cycle, his resume—boasting both NFL experience and a proven track record of NIL success—makes him a prime candidate for high-level administrative roles or another front-office position in the professional ranks.
The parting is a "business of football" reality. Michigan loses a talented administrator, but Whittingham gains the freedom to build the infrastructure he believes is necessary to return the Wolverines to the summit of the Big Ten.