Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel will be in Ann Arbor through at least June 2030.
Manuel will receive a five-year contract extension with the Wolverines. A former Michigan defensive lineman, Manuel has led the school's athletic department since 2016, following previous stops as an athletic director at UConn (2012-16) and Buffalo (2005-12). His most recent contract extension with Michigan came in 2021 and would have run through June 2026.
"During Warde's tenure as director, Athletics has put a structure in place where our student-athletes compete for Big Ten and national championships, excel in the classroom, and proudly graduate with their University of Michigan degrees," university president Santa J. Ono said in a Board of Regents meeting on Thursday.
The University of Michigan has announced a five-year contract extension for Warde Manuel, the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics, so that his term will run through June 30, 2030.
— Michigan Athletics (@UMichAthletics) December 5, 2024
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According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, Manuel's new contract includes deferred compensation and will average nearly $2.4 million annually, placing the 56-year-old among the highest-paid athletic directors in the Big Ten.
"I want 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 athletic department," Manuel said in a statement. "I look forward to continuing the success that we have driven together during this changing landscape in college athletics.
"Every day, I am thankful to work at this great institution and to 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 unparalleled success athletically and academically. I am excited to continue giving back to a university that has provided me with so much over my career."
While Manuel did not hire now-former Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh, he oversaw most of Harbaugh’s tenure, which culminated in a national championship last season. Manuel faced criticism for failing to retain Harbaugh, who departed for the NFL this year to coach the Los Angeles Chargers. In response, Manuel promoted offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to head coach.
Beyond football, Manuel also hired now-former Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard. Manuel and Michigan fired Howard in March and brought in former Florida Atlantic coach Dusty May as his replacement.
In 2022, Manuel joined the College Football Playoff selection committee. He took over as committee chair in 2024.
On Tuesday, Manuel will receive the National Football Foundation's John L. Toner Award, an honor presented to athletic directors who "have demonstrated superior administrative abilities and shown outstanding dedication to college athletics, particularly college football," according to the foundation's website.
