ANN ARBOR, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) — University of Michigan athletics director Warde Manuel has been given a five-year contract extension, the university announced Thursday.
According to a news release, Manuel’s term runs through June 20, 2030. He is the university’s 12th athletics director and oversees 29 teams and more than 900 student-athletes.
“I would like to express my gratitude to President Ono, Board Chair Kathy White and the members of the Board of Regents who have been very supportive of me and our athletics department,” Manuel said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing the success we have achieved together during this changing landscape in college athletics. Every day I am grateful to work at this great institution and represent Michigan Athletics. Most of all, I want to thanking student-athletes and coaches and staff who compete for each of our teams and who have helped us achieve unparalleled success athletically and academically. I am pleased to continue contributing to a university that has given me so much throughout my career. “
U of M has won 52 Big Ten championships under Manuel’s leadership since 2020, including Michigan Football taking home the 2023 National Championship.
Warde was named athletic director in 2016 after serving as athletic director at the University of Connecticut, according to his staff biography.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from the U of M, as well as his master’s degree and a Master of Business Administration from the university’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business. He played football under former coach Bo Schembechler and was on the track and field team.
