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Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel is set to receive a five-year contract extension, sources confirmed to ESPN on Thursday.
Manuel, who also chairs the College Football Playoff selection committee, has led Michigan’s athletic department since 2016, after previous AD stints at UConn and Buffalo. The 56-year-old former Michigan defensive lineman had his contract extended in early 2021 through June 2026 and will now be signed through June 2030.
A source told ESPN’s Pete Thamel that the average annual compensation on Manuel’s new contract will be nearly $2.4 million, which includes deferred compensation. That puts him near the top of the Big Ten for athletic director salaries.
Yahoo Sports first reported on Manuel’s expected new deal.
Manuel did not hire football coach Jim Harbaugh but oversaw the program for most of Harbaugh’s tenure, which culminated in a national title last season. The athletic director received criticism for not retaining Harbaugh, who returned to the NFL this year to take over the Los Angeles Chargers. Manuel, who had been working on a new contract with an enhanced salary for Harbaugh, promoted offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to the head coach role. He also has hired men’s basketball coaches Juwan Howard and Dusty May.
Manuel holds three degrees from Michigan and spent most of his early administrative career with his alma mater, working under several athletic directors. He joined the CFP selection committee in 2022 and took over as chair earlier this year.
