LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Santa Ono bet on a new job in Florida. Now he may have none in Michigan either.

The former University of Michigan president stepped down in May expecting to take over at the University of Florida. But after that offer collapsed, so might his shot at returning to U-M’s faculty.

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Ono’s 2024 contract allowed him to return to the faculty, but only if he gave six months’ notice, a step he skipped.

The agreement states: “You may voluntarily terminate your employment as President upon six (6) months’ notice … If you voluntarily terminate your employment as President, you will be entitled to join the faculty and will be entitled to an administrative leave in accordance with Section IV.C.”

In a May 4 email to U-M leadership, Ono wrote that he had “decided to step down this summer” and “expected” to take the Florida job “later this summer.” The Florida contract listed a June 4 start date. The U-M Board of Regents accepted his resignation two days later.

That timeline, according to university officials and employment attorneys, likely voids his claim to a tenured post at U-M’s medical and liberal arts colleges, along with millions in salary and lab costs.

“He communicated his unequivocal separation from the University,” Ann Arbor attorney Noah Hurwitz told The Detroit News, adding that Ono did not elect to join the faculty and left the university “under no obligation.”

The university has not said whether he remains on payroll. A May 6 letter from board chair Katherine White confirmed his resignation “to accept a position at the University of Florida.”

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Ono signed an eight-year contract extension with U-M last fall, raising his base salary to $1.3 million. Florida had offered $1.5 million, plus bonuses.