Jan 29, 2016 02:53 PM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

The University of Michigan formally introduced UConn's now former chief athletics administrator Warde Manuel as the school's 12th athletic director.

The announcement did not come as a surprise, as multiple national news organizations broke the news earlier this week. Additionally, UConn President Susan Herbst all but confirmed the news in public comments.

As MLive.com pointed out, Manuel's introduction at Ann Arbor was a homecoming. Manuel played football at UM for the legendary coach Bo Schembechler on the same team as the school's current football coach, Jim Harbaugh. After a neck injury ended his playing career, Manuel went on to earn his bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as an MBA, at UM.

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

Manuel's most notable accomplishments at UConn was hiring Kevin Ollie to coach the men's basketball team, who won the 2014 National Championship. He also hired Bob Diaco to coach the football team, which went to a bowl game this season for the first time since 2010.

The women's basketball team also won the last three national championships, the last of which giving Geno Auriemma his 10th. In addition to field hockey national titles in 2013 and 2014, Manuel also helped UConn athletics elevate its APR scores.

"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," UM President Mark Schlissel said in his address. "Warde Manuel knows how to succeed in the classroom, compete on the field and positively contribute to the social fabric of a vibrant university."

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