Michigan AD Warde Manuel Faces Possible Dismissal as Regents Review Athletics Department Culture

Michigan athletics director Warde Manuel's tenure is under review after an independent investigation examined the culture, conduct and procedures of the university's athletics department. The Board of Regents is set to meet Thursday to discuss the report and decide on any actions, sources said.

The review, commissioned in December and conducted by Chicago law firm Jenner & Block, was expanded by President Domenico Grasso to include a full cultural assessment following the Sherrone Moore scandal. Grasso said the university would act swiftly on credible evidence.

"We will leave no stone unturned, and any further action we take will be based on credible evidence and findings, developed through a rigorous investigation," Grasso said in a December video statement.

Manuel, who has led Michigan athletics since 2016, dismissed head coach Sherrone Moore on Dec. 10 after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate surfaced. Moore was later arrested and ultimately pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges, receiving probation and a fine.

The investigation follows broader concerns about the department's awareness of Moore's conduct during his two-year tenure and adds to a series of challenges Manuel has faced, including a sign-stealing probe, a coach's arrest, a basketball championship and recent leadership changes. Manuel, whose contract runs through 2030 with an annual salary of $1.9 million, has indicated he is weighing retirement as an option.

Manuel told the Big Ten spring meetings in May that he aims to provide steadiness amid crises, emphasizing that the current situation is unwelcome but being addressed.