Ann Arbor, MI (My Sportsbook) - University of Michigan director of athletics Bill Martin will retire from his position on September 4, 2010, he announced Wednesday.

Martin notified school president Mary Sue Coleman with a letter, indicating the two had discussed his retirement for a couple of years.

"For nearly a decade, Bill has shown truly outstanding leadership as Athletic Director at the University of Michigan," Coleman said in a statement. "He has not only done a superb job of attracting top coaches for the full range of Michigan sports, but he has also assembled an excellent management team to oversee all aspects of athletics operations."

Coleman also said Martin will remain as AD until a successor is in place, then will serve as a special advisor until he retires in September. Coleman said she will personally oversee the search for Michigan's next AD, which she expects to take "a number of months."

Martin has been in his position since August 2000, several months after he was named interim AD. He was initially given a five-year appointment, but remained in his role and helped steer the school's football stadium renovation project.