ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) – As new athletic director Warde Manuel discussed his relationship with former teammate Jim Harbaugh, the Michigan football coach stood up and offered his incoming boss a hug and jersey.
“I used to be able to fit into this,” said Manuel, who played defensive end for the Wolverines.
Michigan introduced Manuel as its AD on Friday, bringing back a well-regarded alumnus who played football under coach Bo Schembechler. Manuel is leaving his role as the AD at Connecticut to take a five-year deal at Michigan that starts March 14.
“He’s very experienced at what he does,” Harbaugh said. “He knows his job – there’s no question about it. Glad to have him as our leader.”
The 47-year-old Manuel had been UConn’s AD since 2012. He steps into an athletic department at Michigan that looks a lot more stable than it did in 2014, when the football team struggled under Brady Hoke and AD Dave Brandon resigned.