Statements on Bill Martin’s retirement

Press release

Michigan Head Coach John Beilein

On the announcement of Bill Martin’s retirement as Athletic Director ... "Bill's commitment and positive support for our program's transition since the day I arrived has been remarkable. The persistent dedication he has continued to show in getting our new Player Development Center off the ground has taken a tremendous effort and we are very appreciative for that. We are saddened with his announcement today, however we are truly happy he has reached this point in his life. He has accomplished so much in Ann Arbor, at the University of Michigan and throughout his career, we know he will enjoy this much deserved time with his family."

Senior Athletic Director and Former Head Football Coach Lloyd Carr

In 2000 when Bill Martin became the athletic director at Michigan, we were well behind our peers from a facilities standpoint. Today, we are at the forefront and the monumental changes that Bill and his team have orchestrated have positioned Michigan Athletics in excellent position for decades to come.

The athletic campus is not Bill’s only legacy but it will be an enduring legacy. Every coach and student-athlete who compete here in the future and all Michigan fans will benefit from Bill Martin’s vision and hard work. Personally, I have much admiration for the dramatic improvements at Michigan Stadium and the efforts in pushing forward on the Al Glick Field House. I join the many in expressing our appreciation and gratitude.

Additional Background Information on U-M team accomplishments during Martin’s tenure:

Since 2000-01, Martin’s first full academic year as director of athletics, through 2008-09, Michigan teams won 72 conference regular-season or tournament championships, with a high of 11 titles in 2003-04 and eight apiece in 2004-05 and 2007-08. The Wolverines recorded 35 top-five national finishes during that same span, highlighted by eight top-fives in 2003-04.

During Martin’s tenure, U-M claimed two national championships, with field hockey in 2001 earning the school’s first national title in a women’s team sport and softball winning the 2005 NCAA Women’s College World Series.

In case you need it, here’s the breakdown ...

57 conference championships

12 conference tournament titles

3 conference regular-season dual-meet titles (wrestling)