Warde Manuel to step down as Michigan AD; probe finds ‘serious concerns’

Key Points:

• Michigan announced that athletic director Warde Manuel will step down at the end of 2026 following an outside investigation into former football coach Sherrone Moore and the athletic department's culture.
• The Jenner & Block investigation revealed serious concerns including failures of accountability, weaknesses in reporting, and fears of retaliation, though it found no direct evidence that staff knew of Moore's relationship with his executive assistant before his firing.
• Manuel, who has led Michigan athletics since 2016 and overseen multiple national championships, was criticized for not acting swiftly on allegations of wrongdoing but expressed pride in the department's accomplishments.
• The investigation and Moore’s firing followed a series of scandals at Michigan, including a major NCAA sign-stealing scandal, legal issues involving staff, and ongoing lawsuits, prompting the university to commit to reforms in compliance and misconduct procedures.
• Despite controversies, Manuel was recognized for his leadership with awards and roles such as chairing the College Football Playoff committee, but the university emphasized the need for significant work to restore its athletic program's reputation.