Jim Brandstatter and Dan Dierdorf retire

On Saturday afternoon, the University of Michigan opened its 2021 football season with a 47-14 victory over Western Michigan. However, before the game, Michigan radio listeners were notified that an era was coming to an end. Play-by-play announcer Jim Brandstatter and analyst Dan Dierdorf both announced their retirements prior to the commencement of the season-opening Michigan Wolverines Football game on September 4. For the previous seven seasons, the duo has called Michigan games together, with Brandstatter doing play-by-play and Dierdorf doing analysis.

Nobody expected hearing live on the air that longtime Michigan football announcer Jim Brandstatter was leaving at the end of the season, following his broadcast partner Dan Dierdorf in retirement. Dan had already resigned but returned to broadcasting in 2014 for the chance to work with Brandy, so it came as no surprise when he announced his retirement.