2024 NFF John L. Toner Award: Michigan AD Warde Manuel bags iconic college football honor

New Orleans native Warde Manuel, the Athletics Director at the University of Michigan, has been honored with the 2015 John L. Toner Award by the National Football Foundation (NFF). He will officially receive the award on Dec. 10 during the 66th NFF Annual Awards Dinner at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino.

Recognized for his leadership and contributions to college sports, Manuel, previously the Athletics Director at the University of Connecticut, was inducted into the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Hall of Fame in 2020-2021.

Michigan Football celebrated the occasion with a tweet:

“Recognizing athletics directors who have demonstrated superior administrative abilities and shown outstanding dedication to college athletics, particularly college football, Warde Manuel is the recipient of the 2024 NFF John L. Toner Award.”

Manuel, a former Michigan athlete who played defensive end for Coach Bo Schembechler, took over the Wolverine athletics program in January 2016. His tenure has seen Michigan football win 78.2% of its games, a national title and three Big Ten crowns. His initial five-year appointment has been extended through June 30, 2026.

Congratulations poured in from the sports community. CBS Sports reporter Steve Lorenz tweeted:

“Congrats to Warde Manuel.”

Maize & Blue Senior Editor Trevor McCue tweeted,

“An incredible honor for Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel.”

During Manuel's leadership, four Michigan players were inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, and two were named NFF National Scholar-Athletes.

Historic year for the Wolverines under Warde Manuel's leadership

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel.

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel has been appointed chair of the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee for the upcoming season. During his seven-year tenure, Michigan has seen a wave of success, capturing an NCAA Championship in football (2023) and women's gymnastics (2021 and achieving runner-up status in several other sports.

"My first two years on the committee have been a great experience," Manuel said in February [H/t CBSSports]. "I have so much respect for the time and effort each committee member puts in each week because of their commitment to the game. I'm honored to be asked to serve as committee chair."

According to the Detroit Free Press, under Manuel's leadership, the Wolverines have thrived, setting a record with 13 Big Ten titles last year and reaching impressive financial milestones. The athletic department's revenues hit an all-time high of $229.6 million for the 2022-23 fiscal year, with a surplus of $17.1 million the previous year.

As the CFP expands to 12 teams in 2024, Manuel will face new challenges.