Michigan extends AD Manuel’s contract through ’30.

Michigan has signed athletic director Ward Manuel to a five-year contract extension that will keep him at the school through June 2030.

Manuel, who also heads the College Football Playoff selection committee, has led Michigan’s athletic department since 2016, following previous AD stints at UConn and Buffalo. The 56-year-old former Michigan The defensive lineman previously extended his contract from early 2021 through June 2026.

“Under Warde’s tenure as director, athletics has developed a structure where our student-athletes compete for Big Ten and national championships, excellence in the classroom,” said Michigan President Santa Jay Ono. perform, and proudly graduate with University of Michigan degrees,” said Michigan President Santa Jay Ono. During the Board of Regents meeting on Thursday.

A source told ESPN’s Pete Thimel that Manuel’s new deal will average around $2.4 million per year, including deferred compensation. That makes him tops in the Big Ten in athletic director salaries.

Manuel did not hire football coach Jim Harbaugh but oversaw most of Harbaugh’s tenure with the program, which culminated in a national title last season. The athletic director faced criticism for not retaining Harbaugh, who returned to the NFL that year. Los Angeles Chargers. Manuel, who had been working on a new contract with an increased salary for Harbaugh, promoted offensive coordinator Sharon Moore to head coach. He also hired men’s basketball coaches Juwan Howard and Dusty May.

Manuel earned 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 assumed the chair earlier this year.

“Every day, I am grateful to work at this great institution and represent Michigan athletics,” Manuel said. “I especially want to thank the student-athletes, coaches and staff who have competed for each of our teams and who have helped us achieve unprecedented success both athletically and academically. Excited to give back to someone who has given me so much over my career.”