Many Michigan football and basketball fans have insisted that athletic director Warde Manuel has been quick to fill the role in recent years. However, in the meantime, he was named chairman of the College Football Playoff committee and essentially received an award equivalent to AD of the Year.
Now, a sobering moment for those looking for a change: The University of Michigan gave Manuel a five-year contract extension.
Although Manuel failed to ensure that the already-extended Jim Harbaugh joined the NFL, he not only took action against Juwan Howard, but he hired what appears to be a stellar replacement at basketball coach- ball Dusty May.
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The University of Michigan announced a five-year contract extension for Donald R. Shepherd Athletic Director Warde Manuel, with his term ending June 30, 2030.
“During Warde’s tenure as director, Athletics has established a structure in which our student-athletes compete for Big Ten and national championships, excel in the classroom, and proudly graduate from the University of Michigan ” said President Santa J. Ono. the December 5 Board of Regents meeting.
Manuel — who played football under Bo Schembechler, threw the javelin in track and field and ultimately earned three degrees from UM — returned to the university in 2016 after a successful tenure as athletic director at the University of Connecticut.
He is the 12th athletic director in UM history and oversees 29 teams, more than 900 student-athletes, an annual budget of $250 million and a staff of 400. The department remains financially independent and autonomous.
“I want to express my gratitude to President Ono, Board President Kathy White and the members of the Board of Trustees who have been very supportive of me and our athletic department,” Manuel said. “I look forward to continuing the successes we have achieved together in this changing landscape of college sports.”
“Every day I am grateful to work at this great institution and represent Michigan Athletics. I especially want to thank the student-athletes, coaches and staff who compete for each of our teams and who have helped us achieve unprecedented success athletically and academically. I am excited to continue giving back to a university that has given me so much during my career.
Under his leadership, the university has won 52 Big Ten championships in all sports since 2020 and last year, UM won the 2023 football national championship.
Studies remain a priority for Manuel. A new record was set this summer when 243 student-athletes were named to the 2024 All-Big Ten Academic Team, a feat that requires athletes to be at least in their sophomore year of college and maintain a 3 grade point average. 0 or more. .
Manuel is a member of the College Football Playoff selection committee and currently represents UM and the Big Ten as chair of the group. He will receive the National Football Foundation’s 2024 John L. Toner Award on Dec. 10, which recognizes athletic directors who have demonstrated superior administrative abilities and exceptional dedication to college athletics, particularly college football.
This article was originally published on Wolverines Wire: Official: UM extends AD Warde Manuel for five years
