Michigan officially names Warde Manuel athletic director

Warde Manuel is Michigan's new athletic director.

University president Mark Schlissel made the appointment at a press conference Friday, stating it'll be a five-year term effective March 14.

"Athletics plays a key role in the U-M community and beyond. It is a front door to the many activities and values of our community," Schlissel said. "Warde Manuel knows how to succeed in the classroom, compete on the field and positively contribute to the social fabric of a vibrant university."

Manuel, who has extensive ties with the university as well as football head coach Jim Harbaugh, makes the lateral jump from Connecticut, where he held the same job since 2012.

Prior to that, he served as Buffalo's athletic director from 2005 to 2012. But unlike his predecessors, who also had ties with Michigan, Manuel's run a bit deeper.

He earned his bachelor's and two master's from Michigan. He also went on to serve as an assistant to the school's athletic director from 1998 to 2000, and the associate athletic director from 2000 to 2005.

"I am honored to have been selected to serve Michigan as the Donald R. Shepherd director of athletics by President Schlissel," Manuel said. "I look forward to working with all the student-athletes, coaches, staff, faculty, students, donors and fans to continue the Michigan tradition of being 'Leaders and Best.'"

The appointment officially marks the end of the line for Jim Hackett, who has served on an interim basis since October 2014. He will remain in his role until Manuel arrives on campus.

"I want to thank Jim Hackett for his exemplary service to Michigan," Schlissel said. "He accomplished so much in a short time, serving with a level of distinction and integrity befitting the University of Michigan's highest values."