Michigan hires UConn's Warde Manuel as athletic director

Michigan finally has a full-time athletic director in place.

Michigan announced Friday that it has hired Warde Manuel to replace Jim Hackett, who has served as the school’s interim AD since October 2014.

"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," said UM President Mark S. Schlissel. "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 spent the past four years at Connecticut, played college football for the Wolverines under Bo Schembechler from 1986 to 1989 and was a teammate of UM head coach Jim Harbaugh in 1986. Harbaugh was in attendance for Manuel's introductory press conference and presented him with a Wolverines jersey.

Manuel previously worked in UM’s athletic department as assistant athletic director and later as associate athletic director from 1998-2005.

"I am honored to have been selected to serve Michigan as the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics by President Schlissel," said Manuel. "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.'"

After his time at Michigan, Manuel served as athletic director at Buffalo from 2005-2012 before moving on to UConn. At Buffalo, Manuel hired former Nebraska star quarterback Turner Gill as head coach. Gill went on to lead the Bulls to a MAC title in his third season with the program. He also hired Kevin Ollie as men’s basketball coach at UConn after Jim Calhoun resigned. Ollie led the Huskies to a national title in 2014.

Manuel, 47, will be the school’s first full-time AD since Dave Brandon resigned in October 2014 after several controversies.

For more Michigan news, visit TheWolverine.com.

- - - - - - -

Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @SamDCooper