Warde Manuel facts for kids
Manuel in 2024
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|
| Current position | |
|---|---|
| Title | Athletic director |
| Team | Michigan |
| Conference | Big Ten |
| Biographical details | |
| Born | May 22, 1968 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan (BGS, MSW, MBA) |
| Playing career | |
| 1986–1989 | Michigan |
| Position(s) | Defensive tackle |
| Administrative career (AD unless noted) | |
| 2005–2012 | Buffalo |
| 2012–2016 | Connecticut |
| 2016–present | Michigan |
Warde Joseph Manuel, born on May 22, 1968, is an important leader in college sports. He used to play American football. Since January 2016, he has been the Athletic Director at the University of Michigan. This is the same university he attended!
Before that, he was the Athletic Director at the University of Connecticut (from 2012 to 2016) and the University at Buffalo (from 2005 to 2012). He also worked as an associate athletic director at the University of Michigan from 2000 to 2005.
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Warde Manuel's Early Life and Education
Warde Manuel played football in high school at Brother Martin High School in New Orleans. He was so good that he was named a first-team high school All-American!
He joined the University of Michigan and played as a defensive tackle for the Michigan Wolverines from 1986 to 1989. His coach was the famous Bo Schembechler. Sadly, a neck injury ended his playing career.
Warde Manuel earned several degrees from the University of Michigan. He got a Bachelor's degree in 1990, a Master of Social Work in 1993, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2005.
Warde Manuel's Career in Sports Management
Manuel learned important management skills while working as an assistant and then associate athletic director at the University of Michigan. He often says that coaches and staff at Michigan, like Bo Schembechler, Stephen M. Ross, and Greg Harden, helped him succeed.
Leading the Buffalo Bulls Athletics
As Athletic Director at the University at Buffalo, Manuel made a big impact. He hired Turner Gill as the head coach for the football team. Under Gill, the team had its first winning season and played in its first bowl game since joining NCAA Division I in 1999.
Manuel also helped change how Buffalo's sports teams were seen and marketed. He updated their old "Bull Head" logo to a more modern design. He also managed to increase the athletics budget from $11 million to $25 million in just three years.
Role in College Football Playoff
Warde Manuel has been part of the College Football Playoff selection committee since the 2022–23 season. This committee chooses the top college football teams. For the 2024–25 season, he became the committee chair. This was a special year because it was the first time the playoff featured 12 teams instead of four.
