Warde Manuel Stepping Down as Michigan AD at End of 2026
- On Monday, July 20, 2026, University of Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel announced he will step down at the end of the year, with officials launching a national search for his successor.
- The decision follows a Jenner & Block investigation initiated last December after the firing of former football coach Sherrone Moore for an alleged "inappropriate relationship" with his executive assistant.
- Investigators identified "weaknesses" in accountability, organizational structure, and oversight that allowed misconduct to persist; the report noted Manuel's failure to act quickly on allegations of wrongdoing by Athletic Department employees.
- President Domenico Grasso announced Manuel will serve as a "special advisor to the president" through year-end to help implement structural reforms addressing compliance, discipline, and student-athlete support systems.
- Despite national championships in football, basketball, and gymnastics under his leadership, Manuel's tenure was marked by persistent criticism regarding scandals, lawsuits, and investigations involving multiple coaches.
60 Articles
60 Articles
Probe leads to Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel's buyout, stepdown
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan and athletic director Warde Manuel have agreed to a buyout of the remaining three years on his contract and he will step down at the end of 2026, culminating a decade-long run…
Warde Manuel, the Michigan AD Departs During the Sherrone Moore Investigation
Following a thorough investigation into the Sherrone Moore affair, Warde Manuel is leaving his position as head of the University of Michigan athletic department at the end of the current academic year. Before expressing gratitude to the seasoned administrator, Michigan President Domenico Grasso declared: “Today, I am announcing that Warde Manuel has told me that he would like to step down,” “I have the deepest respect for Warde and his countles…
Greg Sankey addresses SEC breakaway talk as Michigan tries to steal spotlight with AD Warde Manuel decision
TAMPA - Just as SEC commissioner Greg Sankey took to the podium inside the Marriott hotel to kick off the 2026 media days, he was already battling for headlines from the Big Ten, as Michigan announced the findings of their internal investigation that is leading to AD Warde Manuel stepping down.Did you expect the competition between conferences to stop on a random Monday morning in July?While this was already going to be a week of pure chaos, wra…
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