A 1968 graduate of Manhattan College, Byrnes is in his 24th year as director of athletics.

Since his arrival back to Riverdale in May of 1988, Byrnes has presided over a renaissance period in Manhattan College athletics. During his tenure, the men’s and women’s basketball programs have earned eight NCAA Tournament bids (four women, four men). Additionally, the Jaspers have appeared in five postseason and preseason National Invitational Tournaments (NIT). Women’s soccer and men’s and women’s lacrosse began competition at the Division I level under Byrnes, and 14 different teams have won conference championships-men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s indoor track, men’s and women’s outdoor track, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, volleyball, men’s tennis, softball and baseball. In addition, to date, 26 student-athletes have received All-America honors for both athletic and academic achievements.

Before returning to Manhattan, Byrnes spent 13 years with the Morrison-Knudsen Company, one of the largest engineering and construction firms in the nation.

A native of Garrison, New York, Byrnes earned his undergraduate degree in physical education with a minor in biology. He also holds an M.B.A. from City University in Seattle, Washington.

As an undergraduate, Byrnes was a member of the Jaspers’ club football team. Byrnes served as team captain and played both defensive tackle and offensive end. He spent one season as an assistant coach and helped guide Manhattan to a 6-2 overall record in 1969.

Upon graduation, Byrnes began a teaching and coaching career at Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, New Jersey. He also served as the school’s director of athletics from 1970-73. Under his leadership, Queen of Peace registered state tournament appearances in baseball and basketball, while also capturing the Parochial “B” State Championship in football (1972).

In addition to his responsibilities at Manhattan, Byrnes served two stints (1997-99, 2004-06) as president of the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Basketball Association, at one time the sponsoring body of the NIT. He also served on the NCAA Championship Committee in 1999-2000. He is currently the chair of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Men’s Basketball Committee and the Committee on Athletic Administration, as well as a member of the ECAC Officials Negotiating Committee. In recognition of his years of outstanding contributions to Jasper athletics, Byrnes was inducted into the Manhattan College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.

Byrnes resides in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, along with his wife, Rosemary. He is the father of five children: Bob, Carolyn (Manhattan ’97), Brian (Manhattan ’99), Darren and Brigid.