Michigan football Coach Bo Schembechler refused an...

Michigan football Coach Bo Schembechler refused an offer to become the school’s athletic director, electing to remain in the job he has held since 1969.

Schembechler, 59, made the announcement in Ann Arbor after meeting with interim university President Robben Fleming. The school is seeking a replacement for Don Canham, who has announced plans to retire.

“I’m a football coach first,” said Schembechler. “Since the job did not include (coaching) football after the 1988 season, I have decided to turn down the athletic director’s position.”