Michigan Parting Ways with Football General Manager Sean Magee

New head coach Kyle Whittingham shakes up Wolverines' staff after recent scandals

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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According to multiple reports, the University of Michigan is parting ways with football general manager Sean Magee as new head coach Kyle Whittingham restructures the program's recruiting and personnel departments. Magee had returned to Ann Arbor for a second stint in 2024 after working for the Chicago Bears, but his departure comes amid broader changes following the dismissal of former head coach Sherrone Moore for an extramarital relationship and NCAA sanctions for a sign-stealing scheme under previous coach Jim Harbaugh.

Why it matters

Magee's departure is part of a broader shakeup of Michigan's football staff under new leadership, as the program looks to move past recent scandals and rebuild its recruiting and personnel operations. The changes could signal a shift in the Wolverines' strategic approach as they aim to return to national championship contention.

The details

Magee, 49, was hired in March 2024 as Michigan's senior athletic director and general manager, overseeing recruiting, player personnel, and NIL initiatives. Under his watch, the Wolverines landed the top recruit in the 2025 class, quarterback Bryce Underwood. However, Magee's exit is part of a broader restructuring that will also see changes to the roles of director of player personnel Albert Karschnia, director of on-campus recruiting Kayli Johson, and director of recruiting Sam Popper, who is leaving to take a job at San Diego State.

  • Magee was hired in March 2024 to his second stint with Michigan.
  • Magee had previously worked for the Chicago Bears in 2022 and 2023.
  • Michigan fired former head coach Sherrone Moore with cause on December 10, 2025 for an extramarital relationship.

The players

Sean Magee

The 49-year-old former general manager of the Michigan football program, who is now departing the university.

Kyle Whittingham

The new head coach of the Michigan football program, hired on December 26, 2025 to guide the team out of recent scandals.

Sherrone Moore

The former Michigan football head coach who was fired with cause on December 10, 2025 for an extramarital relationship with a subordinate.

Jim Harbaugh

The previous Michigan football head coach who won a national championship in 2023 but also faced NCAA sanctions for a sign-stealing scheme.

Bryce Underwood

The top recruit in the 2025 class, a quarterback who committed to Michigan under Magee's tenure as general manager.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.