University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman on report linking her to NCAA president job: 'I've got the best job in the world'

University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman responded today to a published reportÂ naming her as a possible successor to NCAA President Myles Brand, who died Wednesday of cancer.

But Coleman declined to say whether she would consider taking the NCAA president job if it were offered to her.

A story in USA Today linked Coleman to the job, also citing Graham Spanier of Penn State and Walt Harrison of Hartford as potential successors to Brand.

"They just must be scanning university presidents," Coleman said, laughing off the report.

The NCAA president job wouldn't be a stretch, though, for Coleman, who has served on the NCAA's board of directors, as well as the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics. Such a move also would likely come with a salary increase.

But when asked several questions about her interest in the position and whether she would consider taking it, Coleman would only say she loves her current job.

U-M Regent Andrea Fischer Newman referenced the report during the regents meeting today, telling Coleman, "We're glad you're here - we don't want you to go to the NCAA."

Coleman responded that she hadn't seen the report.

"I've got the best job in the world," Coleman said. "I just love it."

Coleman also expressed condolences over the loss of Brand, calling him a "good friend."

"I've known him for a long time. I was devastated when I heard about his cancer," she said.

Brand's legacy, Coleman said, would be that he tightened the link between collegiate athletics and academics. "He has been an advocate for integrity," she said.

James Briggs covers sports for AnnArbor.com. Contact him at 734.623.2557 or jamesbriggs@annarbor.com.