In his decade-long tenure as Michigan athletic director, Warde Manuel has overseen the athletic department’s highest highs and lowest lows. He has also survived multiple scandals—at least until now.
University officials will consider whether to part ways with Manuel in the wake of findings from an external investigation into the athletic department’s knowledge and handling of former head football coach Sherrone Moore’s affair with former assistant Paige Shiver, according to multiple reports. The school may also release the findings of the investigation, conducted by law firm Jenner & Block.
The university’s board of regents is scheduled to meet Thursday, but an agenda posted Monday makes no specific mention of Manuel or the report. A university spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“The president and I have had several great conversations over the past couple of days. There are no plans for me not to continue to be the athletic director for the near future,” Manuel said in a statement to Yahoo Sports on Monday.
From an on-field perspective, Manuel’s tenure could have been considered a success. In the past three years, the Wolverines have celebrated national championships in the most popular NCAA sports. Former head coach Jim Harbaugh led the football program to a national championship during the 2023-24 season; former head coach Dusty May led the men’s basketball program to a title this past April.
