A decision on the future of Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel is expected to come in the coming days.
ESPN reported on Sunday night that the University of Michigan’s regents are planning on discussing the probe into the athletic department’s culture and as part of it, a decision on Manuel’s future is anticipated.
The investigation was initiated in December following the firing of football coach Sherrone Moore after it was discovered he was having an “inappropriate relationship with a staff member,” and then later allegedly drove to the home of that staffer to confront her.
A dramatic scene unfolded, leading to Moore’s arrest and an eventual plea agreement for the former football coach for misdemeanor malicious use of a telecommunications device and misdemeanor trespassing.
The incident raised concerns about the culture of the athletic department after it became the latest in several high-profile controversies involving the athletic department under Manuel.
The Chicago law firm of Jenner & Block has run the probe into the athletic department.
Part of what is expected to be in the law firm’s report is how much Manuel and athletic department officials knew about the relationship between Moore and the staffer, Paige Shiver, before the situation spiraled out of control.
Outside of the Moore controversy, Manuel has been in charge of Michigan’s athletic program during the sign-stealing scheme orchestrated by former football staffer Connor Stalions and the federal charges brought against former offensive coordinator Matt Weiss, who is facing charges of felony aggravated theft and unauthorized access to computers.
Michigan has also seen plenty of success under his tenure – Manuel has held the role since 2016 – with the football program winning a national title in January 2024 and the men’s basketball program winning a title this past spring.
Men’s (2025) and women’s gymnastics (2021) have also won national titles while he has been athletic director.
His contract runs through 2030.
