Michigan commits to Warde Manuel as athletic director through 2030

In a significant development for athletics in the United States, Warde Manuel has been confirmed to receive a five-year contract extension as the athletic director at the University of Michigan. This extension will keep him in the role until June 2030 and follows his initial contract extension in early 2021, which was supposed to last until June 2026. The decision represents a strategic move by Michigan to maintain stability at the top of the athletic department, especially given Manuel's experience and leadership in managing various sports programs, including football and men's basketball. His average annual compensation on the new contract is reported to be nearly $2.4 million, which is competitive in the Big Ten, highlighting Manuel's importance to the university's athletic success. As the chair of the College Football Playoff selection committee, he has played a pivotal role not just at Michigan, but in shaping college football on a broader scale. Under Manuel's leadership, the athletic department has seen various achievements, including promoting Sherrone Moore to head football coach after Jim Harbaugh left to return to the NFL. Manuel is also credited with hiring notable men's basketball coaches, including Juwan Howard. This continued tenure at Michigan signifies the university's commitment to his leadership amidst recent challenges and transitions within the football program, especially the criticism he faced regarding Harbaugh's departure. It remains to be seen how Manuel will further influence Michigan's athletic landscape as he embarks on this new phase of his career.