Michigan has been plagued by scandals during Warde Manuel's tenure as AD while winning recent national championships in football and men's basketball. Junfu Han / USA Today Network via Reuters ConnectJuly 20, 2026 Updated 9:15 am EDTMichigan athletic director Warde Manuel is stepping down at the end of the calendar year, the school announced Monday. News of Manuel’s departure comes as Michigan released findings from the Jenner & Block investigation into the actions of former football coach Sherrone Moore and the broader culture of the athletic department.Following reports that his future at Michigan was in doubt, Manuel spoke to Yahoo Sports last week and said there were “no plans for me not to continue to be the athletic director for the near future.” Manuel was earning roughly $2.4 million annually in salary and deferred compensation on a contract that runs through 2030, with a buyout equivalent to three years of compensation.Manuel, a former Michigan football player, was hired as athletic director in 2016 and oversaw this year’s national championship in men’s basketball, Michigan’s 2023 national championship in football, national championships for men’s and women’s gymnastics and five Frozen Four appearances for the ice hockey team. However, Michigan’s successes often were overshadowed by scandals, investigations, rules violations and the arrests of multiple staff members.This story will be updated. Jul 20, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms