A former favourite of UNC basketball fans, he is becoming a well-known coach.

Jackie Manuel Is Building an Impressive Coaching Profile

Jackie Manuel has brought the same toughness and drive to his coaching career that he once displayed on the court at UNC in the early to mid-2000s. As the defensive specialist on a roster packed with talent, Manuel played a crucial role on the 2005 Tar Heels team that delivered Roy Williams his first national championship.

While high-profile names like Marvin Williams, Raymond Felton, Rashad McCants, and Sean May dominated the headlines, Manuel handled the less glamorous tasks. He routinely defended the opposing team’s top wings and excelled in that role, earning All-ACC Defensive Team honors in both 2004 and 2005.

After injuries derailed his professional playing career, Manuel turned to coaching. He began in 2011 as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at UNC, then went on to roles at UNC-Greensboro, Valparaiso, and UNC-Wilmington before returning to Chapel Hill. There, he contributed as an assistant with the women’s program and later as Director of Player and Team Development for the Tar Heels squad that reached the 2022 NCAA title game.

Since 2023, Manuel has served as an assistant coach at American University, and this role could be his final stepping stone before he lands a head coaching position of his own.

Speaking to the Palm Beach Post, Manuel explained that his love for mentoring young athletes has been a constant since his playing days.

“From the time I left college, I always had a passion for pouring into guys coming behind me and really trying to help them and provide whatever knowledge,” he said. “I didn’t know that would prepare me for coaching. I just felt like the things I learned, I wanted other guys not to have to go through—from my experiences.”

Manuel has always shared a special connection with Tar Heel fans. While they admired the stars of that championship team, they also respected Manuel’s relentless defensive effort. Without a doubt, many in Chapel Hill are hoping he soon gets the chance to lead a program of his own.