Michigan Football Ushers in New Era with Dave Peloquin as General Manager
The Michigan Wolverines have swiftly moved to fill the general manager position, finalizing a deal with Dave Peloquin, currently with Athletes First and formerly a key figure in Notre Dame’s football program. This appointment signals a significant shift in the Wolverines’ approach to roster management and navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics.
A Quarter-Century of Experience at Notre Dame
Peloquin brings over two decades of experience with the Fighting Irish, beginning in 2004 as director of player personnel. He held various roles, including director of football development and assistant athletics director, consistently remaining a valuable asset through multiple coaching changes – Bob Davie, Ty Willingham, Charlie Weis, Brian Kelly, and Marcus Freeman. His tenure included four College Football Playoff appearances (2012, 2018, 2020, and 2024), demonstrating a track record of success within a high-profile program.
From Player Personnel to the NIL Era
Most recently, Peloquin transitioned to the agency world, serving as general manager of Athletes First, a sports agency specializing in NFL player representation. This experience provides him with unique insight into the complexities of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, a critical component of modern college football. His time at Athletes First positions him to lead Michigan “deeper into the NIL era,” as noted in reports.
Connections to the Whittingham Staff
Peloquin’s arrival is facilitated by existing relationships with members of head coach Kyle Whittingham’s staff. He previously worked alongside running backs coach Tony Alford at Notre Dame, and also has ties to new defensive tackles coach Larry Black, who was a graduate assistant at Notre Dame in 2018. These connections are expected to ease his integration into the program.
A Shift in Personnel Philosophy
The hiring of Peloquin represents a departure from the previous general manager, Sean Magee, who had been in the role since 2024. Magee, along with other personnel staff members, have departed. Peloquin’s background emphasizes a stronger focus on personnel evaluation and strategic planning, a crucial element in maintaining a competitive edge in college football.
The Growing Importance of the College Football GM Role
The rise of the general manager position in college football reflects the increasing professionalization of the sport. Managing player recruitment, retention, and NIL opportunities requires a dedicated expert, especially at programs like Michigan, which are navigating a complex competitive environment.
Navigating the NIL Landscape
Peloquin’s experience with Athletes First provides a distinct advantage in the NIL space. Understanding the regulations, negotiating deals, and ensuring compliance are essential for attracting and retaining top talent. His background will be invaluable as Michigan continues to build its NIL program.
The Value of Institutional Knowledge
Peloquin’s long tenure at Notre Dame demonstrates his ability to adapt and thrive within a major college football program. His experience working with multiple head coaches highlights his adaptability and understanding of the broader institutional goals.
FAQ
What is a general manager’s role in college football? A general manager oversees all aspects of a football program’s personnel, including recruiting, player development, and NIL management.
Why did Michigan move on from Sean Magee? A “difference in vision” led to the departure of Sean Magee, according to reports.
What is Dave Peloquin’s experience with NIL? Peloquin recently served as the general manager of Athletes First’s collegiate Name, Image, and Likeness division.
Does Peloquin have any existing relationships with Michigan coaches? Yes, he has ties to running backs coach Tony Alford and defensive tackles coach Larry Black.
How long was Peloquin at Notre Dame? Peloquin spent 21 years at Notre Dame.
Did you know? Dave Peloquin remained on staff at Notre Dame throughout four College Football Playoff appearances.
Explore more about the evolving landscape of college football and the role of the general manager. Stay updated on the latest developments with the Michigan Wolverines.
