A storage subsystem backplane management system includes a storage controller and a service processor. A first backplane including a first management controller is coupled to the storage controller and the service processor. The first backplane is operable to couple a plurality of first drives to the first management controller. A second backplane including a second management controller is coupled to the first management controller. The second backplane is operable to couple a plurality of second drives to the second management controller. The first management controller communicates with the second management controller and creates a virtual management controller that presents to the storage controller and the service processor a virtual backplane including the plurality of first drives and the plurality of second drives when the plurality of first drives are coupled to the first management controller and the plurality of second drives are coupled to the second management controller.