Warde Manuel, the athletic director for the University of Michigan, is set to step down at the close of the 2026 calendar year. This announcement was made by U-M President Domenico Grasso in a video released on Monday morning. The decision follows the conclusion of an independent review into the culture, conduct, and procedures within the Athletics Department.
The investigation, initiated in late 2025 by the law firm Jenner & Block, focused on the circumstances surrounding the conduct of former Head Football Coach Sherrone Moore, who was dismissed in December 2025 due to an inappropriate relationship with a former staffer. The firm also examined the department’s overall culture, identifying concerns such as “interference, poor oversight, and failures of accountability by the highest levels of university leadership.”
President Grasso stated that these failures are not solely within the athletics department but also fall on all university leaders. He emphasized the need for change to restore Michigan athletics to its standing as a model program, both on and off the field. Grasso has asked Manuel to remain until the end of the calendar year, serving as a special advisor to the president and assisting in the implementation of reforms based on the investigation’s findings.
Investigation findings and departmental changes
The independent review, which cost the university more than $12 million, involved interviews with nearly 300 individuals, including employees and student-athletes. Investigators followed over 90 leads and reviewed more than 20,000 records. While Manuel was not directly implicated in any scandals, the investigation identified “failures to quickly and effectively act on allegations of wrongdoing by Athletic Department employees.”
A summary of the findings, released by the university on Monday, July 20, acknowledged multiple areas for improvement within the department. The review found that “some employees and student-athletes were reluctant to report concerns.” The university plans to address this by strengthening reporting processes, protecting individuals who raise concerns, and fostering a culture that encourages speaking up.
Manuel, who was initially hired at U-M in January 2016, played as a defensive tackle for the Wolverines from 1986-1989 under coach Bo Schembechler. Before his tenure as Michigan’s athletic director, he held similar roles at both Buffalo and UConn. During his time at Michigan, the university achieved national championships in men’s and women’s gymnastics, football, and men’s basketball.
In a statement, Manuel expressed pride in the athletic department’s successes and accomplishments over the past 11 years. He highlighted the dedication of coaches and professionals who support the student-athletes. Manuel also stated his willingness to work with President Grasso to implement the recommendations for continuous improvement, promising to provide further details about his decision at an appropriate time.
Proposed reforms and broader context
The university has outlined several upcoming changes in response to the investigation. These include evaluating the creation of a C-suite officer for Compliance to lead an Ethics, Integrity, and Compliance Office for the athletics department. Additionally, the university is reviewing reporting structures and implementing enhanced hiring, onboarding, and offboarding practices. This will incorporate student-athlete feedback into coaching evaluations and establish a progressive discipline policy.
The school also plans to establish consistent investigative policies and procedures based on best practices, including standardized protocols, documentation requirements, and expectations for truthful cooperation. Efforts will also be made to strengthen avenues for student-athletes to report health and safety, NCAA compliance, and other issues. Furthermore, the university aims to expand access to confidential medical and mental health resources for student-athletes, implement mandatory coach training on student-athlete mental health, nutrition, and eating disorders, and explore the creation of a dedicated eating disorder support team.
The investigation into the athletic department’s culture was expanded after the news of former coach Moore’s inappropriate relationship. Moore was fired in early December 2025 after a staffer informed the university of a long-standing affair that began in 2021. Moore later faced a felony charge stemming from an encounter at the staffer’s apartment on the same day he was fired. In March, Moore agreed to plead no contest to lesser charges and was sentenced to 18 months probation in April.
Despite recent athletic successes, including the Michigan football national title in January 2024 and the men’s basketball title in April 2026, the department has faced multiple controversies. These include a substantial fine for an illegal sign-stealing scheme in the football program, suspensions for Jim Harbaugh due to an NCAA investigation, and various other incidents involving coaches and staff across different sports. President Grasso plans to launch a national search for Manuel’s successor soon.
Source: clickondetroit.com