Michigan’s Board of Regents Not Expected to Discuss Warde Manuel’s Status

The University of Michigan’s Board of Regents is not expected to discuss the findings of the independent investigation into the university’s athletics department that it commissioned, or the status of athletics director Warde Manuel, when it meets on Thursday, sources told CBS Sports.

The development comes amid growing unrest outside the athletics department, as Manuel has gone on the offensive amid speculation over his future as athletics director. The board’s meeting agenda posted on Tuesday does not include the investigation or Manuel’s employment. A source told CBS Sports on Wednesday that there are currently no plans for the board to discuss the topics.

Investigation Background

News of Manuel’s uncertain future surfaced Sunday. CBS Sports reported that Manuel was considering his options. On Tuesday, Manuel refuted reports but did not deny he has had conversations about a buyout from his contract, which runs through the 2029-30 academic year, according to a copy obtained by CBS Sports.

"Don’t believe everything that’s out there in the world about what people say," Manuel said Tuesday on WTKA. "I don’t know what the future holds. I don’t know … what’s going to happen. I know what today is, I know what tomorrow’s going to be. It could happen. I don’t know. I don’t know what the future is going to be."

Chicago-based Law Firm Jenner & Block Investigating Michigan Athletics

Chicago-based law firm Jenner & Block began investigating Manuel’s athletic department in December after football coach Sherrone Moore was fired for having a personal relationship with a staffer, Paige Shiver. The investigation’s scope expanded to include the "culture" of the entire athletics department. The university has spent more than $11 million on the investigation.

Investigation’s Findings and Future Action

Interim university president Dominic Grasso previously said the school would "act swiftly" if the investigation produced findings warranting additional terminations. A source indicated Michigan officials, including regents and Grasso, have been briefed orally about the investigation’s findings.

"We will leave no stone unturned, and any further action we take will be based on credible evidence and findings, developed through a rigorous investigation," Grasso said in a December video statement.

Paige Shiver’s Lawsuit and Freedom of Information Act Requests

Shiver is suing the school to release records relating to the investigation, according to court documents obtained by CBS Sports. "Ms. Shiver is demanding President Grasso, the Board of Regents, and General Counsel Patty Petrowski immediately release the $12 million Jenner & Block investigative report," Shiver’s attorney, Andrew Stroth, told CBS Sports.

A member of Shiver’s legal team filed multiple Freedom of Information Act requests dating back to February for investigatory files relating to Moore’s termination, including recordings of interviews with Shiver and her father, Jeff, and interviews or communications with Moore regarding the relationship and his termination. The school denied the requests while the investigation was ongoing and after its completion.

One request, dated May 4, requesting transcripts, notes, and recordings of a Dec. 10 meeting with Shiver was denied by the school because it said it has no responsive records. Manuel fired Moore on Dec. 10 after evidence of an inappropriate relationship between Moore and Shiver, a subordinate, was brought to the department that morning. Moore was arrested later that day after he entered Shiver’s home. He was charged with felony home invasion, stalking and breaking and entering.

Moore eventually pleaded no contest to misdemeanor counts of malicious use of a telecommunications device and trespassing. A Washtenaw County judge sentenced him in April to 18 months of probation and a $1,000 fine. The felony and other charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Wall Street Journal Reports Manuel and University Officials Warned About Moore’s Relationship

The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that Manuel and other university officials received multiple warnings about Moore’s relationship with Shiver well before the coach was fired in December, and revealed that Manuel spoke with Moore about the relationship before Moore debuted as head coach of the Wolverines in 2024. The details were revealed in Jenner & Block’s investigation, according to the outlet. The Athletic reported that players and staff raised concerns about Moore and Shiver’s relationship during the 2024 preseason camp.

University Statement and Response to Investigation

A university spokesperson told CBS Sports on Wednesday afternoon that Manuel’s status and the investigation will not be on the Board of Regents’ agenda, adding that "Warde Manuel is our athletic director. No decision has been made pertaining to his future with the university."

The university’s full statement is below:

"The University of Michigan promptly terminated former head football coach Sherrone Moore on Dec. 10, 2025, upon learning of his undisclosed workplace relationship with a direct report. Moore’s conduct violated university policy, and we expect more from our leaders. Because this matter is the subject of pending litigation, the university will not comment further on issues related to that relationship.

As it pertains to investigations conducted on the university’s behalf by the law firm Jenner & Block, the firm conducted two related but distinct reviews: one concerning Moore’s conduct and a broader assessment of the culture within the Department of Athletics. These independent reviews were commissioned to strengthen the department and ensure it reflects the standards of leadership, integrity and accountability we expect.

Documents related to these attorney-directed investigations are privileged and confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege. Maintaining the confidentiality of these documents preserves the integrity of the investigative process, protects the privacy of those who participated and helps safeguard those individuals from potential retaliation.

The university will determine the appropriate time and manner to communicate the results of the athletics investigations and any actions taken in response to its findings.