Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel to depart at year-end after independent review
University of Michigan announced that athletic director Warde Manuel will step down at the end of the year and serve as a special advisor while a search for his successor begins.
The University of Michigan said on Monday that athletic director Warde Manuel will leave his post at the end of the calendar year and will remain as a special advisor to President Domenico Grasso to help implement reforms recommended by an independent review. The review, conducted by Jenner & Block, identified weaknesses in accountability and oversight within the athletics department and noted delays in responding to allegations of misconduct by staff members. While the report praised Manuel’s commitment to student-athletes, it also cited failures to act promptly on certain allegations.
Grasso, in a video message to the university community, said a search for a new athletic director will be launched and that the upcoming presidential search will likely determine the eventual hire. He added, "> I have the deepest respect for Warde and his countless contributions to Michigan."
Manuel, who has led Michigan athletics since 2016, issued a statement expressing pride in the department’s achievements and gratitude for the president’s request that he stay through the transition. He also indicated that he will provide further comments on his decision at a later time.
The departure follows a series of scandals involving the football program, including the dismissal of head coach Sherrone Moore after an affair became public and multiple NCAA investigations that resulted in show-cause orders, probation and substantial fines. The university has spent nearly $12 million on investigations and has retained legal counsel in anticipation of potential litigation.
Regent Paul Brown, a board member, described Manuel’s tenure as “bittersweet,” acknowledging both athletic successes and lapses in judgment. Manuel, who signed a five-year contract extension in 2022 with an average annual compensation of about $2.4 million, is expected to negotiate a buyout under the terms of his agreement.
The athletics department has also faced other controversies, including allegations of misconduct in the basketball, hockey and recruiting areas, and a historic sexual-abuse settlement reached in 2022.