Michigan athletics chief marketing officer resigns

Michigan’s athletic department chief marketing officer Hunter Lochmann resigns.

The University of Michigan athletic department's chief marketing officer has resigned, according to the Detroit Free Press. 

The announcement comes days after the chief marketing officer, Hunter Lochmann, said the school's symbols were more important than its student-athletes. 

A university spokesman told the Free Press that Lochmann "resigned to pursue other professional opportunities."

During the IMG Intercollegiate Athletics Forum last week, Lochmann explained why the university doesn’t do in-game sponsorships.

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"The athletes are there for four years. At Michigan, it's the block M that has the infinity and power, not Denard Robinson. Those are fleeting, four-year relationships, but it's the block M that's been there for over 150 years," Lochmann said. 

Lochmann previously came under fire for some of the initiatives the department tried in order to gain exposure, including displaying a large macaroni noodle in front of Michigan Stadium before the 2013 season opener. 

Lochmann's resignation is just one aspect of the upheaval that has characterized 2014 for Michigan athletics. Athletic director Dave Brandon resigned in October, and the school fired football coach Brady Hoke at the end of the season. Hoke had a 31-20 record as the Wolverines' head football coach. 

- Scooby Axson