Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel stepping down at end of year
University of Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel will step down at the end of the year following an independent investigation into the firing of head coach Sherrone Moore. The investigation revealed significant organizational and oversight weaknesses within the athletic department.
Why it matters
The departure marks a major leadership transition for a prominent U.S. collegiate athletic program currently undergoing institutional reform.
Hear this story View Comments Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel is stepping down at the end of the year.
The University of Michigan on Monday announced Manuel’s departure, accompanied by a video from university president Domenico Grasso who said he asked Manuel to remain through the end of the year, and outlined the findings of the independent athletics reviews conducted by the law firm Jenner & Block that was initiated last December to investigate the circumstances regarding fired head coach Sherrone Moore. Moore was fired Dec. 10, 2025 , for having an affair with his executive assistant. Michigan on Monday outlined what actions the university will take in response.
Manuel did not return a request by The Detroit News for comment on Monday, but he did issue a statement.
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