The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/641955
he's ready for a long, productive run directing the athletics show for the Maize and Blue. He has his dream job, and intends to bring stability to a position that hasn't featured much of it lately. "There's no better job in the coun- try than Michigan, in my mind," he said. "There are a lot of great places, and I've had opportunity to go to two great places. But if President Schlissel wanted to offer me a 20- year contract, I'd be sure to sign it. "I'm looking to be here for a while. More importantly, for the staff, the coaches and the student-athletes, my hope is that I am here for a while and provide that stability for them and for our programs. I look to serve the University as long as Michigan will have me." Manuel's base salary is $800,000 per year over the course of the five- year contract, with $100,000 per year in deferred compensation. It's great to be home, he stressed. "I chose to accept this offer for the same reason I committed to Bo, 30 years ago this week," Manuel pointed out. "There's no finer place than this Michigan of ours. We are Leaders and Best, in both athletics and academics. "We don't have to boast and throw it in people's faces in words. But it shines bright to the rest of the world, the impact our graduates have in their chosen professions, the champi- onship success we have on the fields of play, the research and teaching production of our faculty and staff, and the significance of our work within our communities to make this world a better place." ❏ Warde Manuel hasn't been on Michigan's campus on a regular basis since 2005. He still witnessed plenty of familiar faces upon his return to U-M's athletic campus. The former Michigan football player found a welcome back from those who remember not only when he left Ann Arbor, but also when he arrived. Carol Hutchins has guided Michigan's softball program since 1985. She's interested in her own sport and the array of them across the athletic campus. Hutchins didn't hesitate when asked about the new boss. "I think he's the right guy at the right time," she said. "I texted him that. He's got a really broad perspective. I have two good friends that are colleagues of mine, softball coaches, that have loved working for him." Hutchins served on President Mark Schlissel's advisory committee during the search for a new Director of Athletics, and noted: "We had a very quiet process. But I've followed Warde through his career and those that have worked for him, I check in on them. I've always been pleased with their responses. He's a coaches' AD." Manuel Hailed By Longtime Michigan Coaches