Michigan built champions under Warde Manuel's watch as AD; now, it needs an adult in the room - CBS Sports
Warde Manuel, the University of Michigan Athletic Director and a former Wolverines defensive tackle, is set to step down at the close of 2026. University President Domenico Grasso announced this decision following an independent review into the athletics department’s culture, conduct, and procedures.
The investigation, conducted by the law firm Jenner & Block, was initiated in late 2025. It examined the overall culture of the department, specifically identifying concerns such as interference, poor oversight, and failures of accountability at the highest levels of university leadership. While Manuel was not directly implicated in any scandals during his tenure, the review noted failures to act quickly and effectively on allegations of wrongdoing by athletic department employees.
Review Findings and Departmental Changes
The independent review, which involved interviews with nearly 300 individuals and the examination of over 20,000 records, found weaknesses within the department. The university’s summary of findings, released on a Monday, highlighted that some employees and student-athletes were hesitant to report concerns. This reluctance was attributed to issues such as structural deficiencies, weaknesses in reporting and support systems, and concerns about retaliation.
In response to these findings, President Grasso outlined several upcoming changes. These include evaluating the creation of a C-suite officer for Compliance, reviewing reporting structures, and implementing enhanced hiring, onboarding, and offboarding practices. The university also plans to establish consistent investigative policies and procedures, strengthen promises for student-athletes to report various issues, and expand access to confidential medical and mental health resources.
One specific area of concern was the conduct of former Head Football Coach Sherrone Moore, who was fired in December 2025 due to an inappropriate relationship with a former staffer. The investigation by Jenner & Block, which cost more than $12 million, did not identify any current university employee with direct, contemporaneous evidence of the relationship. However, reports from previous employees suggest some in the department may have known about the relationship before Moore’s firing.
Moore later agreed to plead no contest to lesser charges in March and was sentenced to 18 months probation in April. The university expanded Jenner & Block’s assignment to include an independent evaluation of the culture, conduct, and procedures throughout the athletics department following Moore’s arrest.
Manuel’s Tenure and Future Role
Warde Manuel was first hired at the University of Michigan in January 2016. During his time as Athletic Director, the university achieved national championship wins in men’s and women’s gymnastics, football, and men’s basketball. Despite these athletic successes, the department has faced multiple controversies, including a fine for an illegal sign-stealing scheme in the football program and an investigation into former offensive coordinator Matt Weiss for computer crimes.
President Grasso expressed his respect for Manuel’s contributions and asked him to remain until the end of the calendar year. In this capacity, Manuel will serve as a special advisor to the president, assisting in the implementation of the reforms outlined by the university. Grasso stated that a national search for the next athletic director will be launched soon.
Manuel, who played under coach Bo Schembechler from 1986-1989, previously served as athletic director at both Buffalo and UConn before joining the University of Michigan.
The university also plans to explore creating a U-M Athletics Board to advise school leaders on department-related issues. The investigation involved following over 90 leads through a hotline.
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Source: clickondetroit.com
