Michigan AD Warde Manuel's job in jeopardy amid internal investigation
Key Points:
- Michigan's Board of Regents will meet Thursday to discuss findings from an independent investigation into the Wolverines' athletics department culture, with athletics director Warde Manuel's tenure now uncertain.
- The investigation, authorized in December amid fallout from the Sherrone Moore scandal, expanded to evaluate culture, conduct, and procedures throughout the department, with university president Domenico Grasso promising swift action if warranted.
- Manuel fired former head football coach Sherrone Moore in December after revelations of an inappropriate relationship and subsequent criminal charges, which included felony home invasion and stalking; Moore later pleaded no contest to misdemeanors and received probation.
- Allegations from a former staffer about coercive behavior by Moore and claims that the university failed to protect employees have intensified scrutiny on the athletics department and calls for institutional reform.
- Manuel, who has led Michigan athletics since 2016 and recently signed a contract extension through 2030, has managed multiple crises, including coaching controversies and media rights disputes, but is reportedly considering retirement amid the current investigation.