Bob Byrnes was the Director of Athletics at Manhattan College—his alma mater—for 26 years. During his tenure, the Jaspers enjoyed success in competition and off.
 
The Jaspers made eight—five men, three women—NCAA Tournament appearances, varsity women's soccer and lacrosse became part of the Jaspers portfolio, and 22 student-athletes earned All-America status for both their athletic and academic achievements.
 
Byrnes was a member of the club football team when he was a Jasper, where he was a captain. Byrnes coached at Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, NJ and served as the school's athletic director from 1970-73.
 
Outside of his duties at Manhattan, Byrnes served as president of the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Basketball Association, the committee that selected teams for the NIT from 1997-99. He chaired the MAAC's men's basketball committee and the committee on athletic administration. Byrnes was also a member of the 1999-00 NCAA Championship Cabinet. In 2012, the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association honored Byrnes with the Distinguished Service Award, and in 2014 the ECAC honored him with the Commissioner's Award.
 
Byrnes has provided consulting services to local collegiate athletic programs and has remained active in basketball at St. Augustine since his retirement in 2014. Byrnes also volunteers his time as a Red Cross Ambassador.