As was the case with the January rumors that Warde Manuel could be in the running for the Virginia Tech athletic director job, there's nothing to the recent report that the UConn AD had been contacted by the University of Michigan -- his alma mater -- about the same job there.
According to the Hartford Courant's Jeff Jacobs, Manuel told him Monday that there was no truth to the speculation and that he hasn't spoken to Michigan officials about the athletic director job.
Earlier in the week, CoachingSearch.com reported that the Wolverines were "gauging interest" from both Manuel, who once played for Bo Schembechler, and Boston College AD Brad Bates.
And while Manuel hasn't officially issued a statement on the recent speculation, we're guessing his previous remarks concerning the Virgina Tech opening hold here too.
"I am very happy as the Director of Athletics at UConn and look forward to continuing to work with President Herbst, my coaches, staff, student-athletes, donors and fans to enjoy a high level of continued success in athletics at UConn," Manuel said back in January 2014.
Basketball coach Geno Auriemma has previously stated that he's not surprised Manuel might be in demand.
First, it’s his background," Auriemma said shortly after Manuel issued the statement above. "At a place like Michigan means that he worked at a university where things are generally perceived to be done the way they’re supposed to be done. It’s a fantastic state university, the highest levels of academics, the highest level of athletics. So now you go to Buffalo which was a horrible situation when he got there and now all of a sudden it’s a great situation."
