Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel's job status remains unchanged after Regents meeting

University of Michigan officials said athletic director Warde Manuel's employment is not under immediate threat, after a Regents meeting on Thursday failed to announce any change. Earlier in the week, media reports claimed Manuel's job was "in doubt," prompting speculation about his future.

The university has faced criticism for alleged leaks of incomplete information, but spokespersons said no formal decision has been made regarding Manuel's status. Manuel has previously noted that there have been ongoing efforts to remove him since he assumed the role in 2016.

Freedom of Information Act requests for a report by law firm Jenner & Block on the athletic department's handling of the Sherrone Moore controversy have been denied, officials said because a final written report has not yet been completed. Oral briefings on the investigation have taken place, and the university expects to make the findings public in the coming days.

Sources familiar with the investigation indicated that the Jenner & Block review is likely to highlight procedural errors related to the Moore firing, but they said no evidence of misconduct that would directly implicate Manuel was found. The report is expected to confirm that Manuel was informed in early 2024 about a personal relationship involving Coach Moore and assistant Paige Shiver, which led to internal inquiries that concluded without evidence of wrongdoing.

University representatives emphasized that any future actions will be based on the final report's conclusions, and they denied that Manuel's position is currently at risk.