Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel to Step Down

Warde Manuel, the University of Michigan’s athletic director since 2016, will step down from his position at the end of the calendar year, the school announced Monday.

The move comes amid an internal investigation into the leadership and culture of the athletics department, which identified three overarching areas for improvement: leadership accountability, organizational structure, and reporting culture.

Internal Investigation Findings

According to the findings of the internal investigation, which cost the university $12 million, the culture review identified the need for improvement in leadership accountability, organizational structure, and reporting culture.

Michigan released a basic overview of the findings on Monday, detailing the key areas of improvement.

As it relates to Manuel’s role, the investigation ‘identified failures to quickly and effectively act on allegations of wrongdoing by Athletic Department employees.’

Manuel’s Statement

Manuel released a statement on Monday, saying he was ‘very proud of all the successes and accomplishments’ during his 11-year tenure.

He added that he ‘will have more to say about my decision at the appropriate time.’

Lawsuits Continue

Paige Shiver, the former executive assistant of Sherrone Moore, who was fired in December 2023 for misconduct, has filed a lawsuit against the university.

She claims the school violated the Freedom of Information Act and wants the requested records and investigation findings made public.

Shiver’s attorney, Andrew Stroth, expressed dissatisfaction with Michigan’s decision to withhold details of the case.

‘Our client is asking for transparency,’ Stroth said. ‘Our client is asking for accountability, and we learn more based on the information leaked and reported by the Wall Street Journal than we have from the summary of the report issued today.’

Shiver, 32, said she endured ‘years of manipulation, harassment, and exploitation’ from Moore and that the university failed to protect its employee.

Shiver’s lawyers said in March that she ‘believes strongly that she may not be the only person who experienced inappropriate, coercive, or predatory behavior’ from Moore.

Controversy Surrounding Manuel’s Tenure

Manuel’s tenure atop Michigan athletics will be remembered as one of the most accomplished — and controversial — stretches in school history.

The Wolverines celebrated national championships across multiple sports, highlighted by football’s long-awaited return to the top of the mountain, while Michigan basketball also delivered a title under his watch.

Success, however, rarely came without turbulence. Manuel navigated NCAA investigations tied to the football program, the Stalions sign-stealing saga, coaching transitions, and mounting pressure over the direction of one of college sports’ most visible brands.

His decision-making came under intense scrutiny during the final years of his tenure, including the handling of Moore’s exit and the football program’s uncertain future prior to Kyle Whittingham’s hiring.

Yet despite the off-field headlines, Michigan consistently competed for championships and remained one of the nation’s premier athletic departments.

That’s the paradox of Manuel’s legacy: unprecedented trophy-hauling paired with relentless controversy, making his tenure one of the most consequential in modern college athletics.

Legacy of Warde Manuel

Manuel’s decision to step down comes as the university grapples with the aftermath of the Sherrone Moore scandal and ongoing lawsuits.

As Michigan looks to the future, the athletic department will need to address the concerns raised by the internal investigation and work to restore trust with its employees and the wider community.

The university’s decision to withhold details of the case has only added to the controversy surrounding Manuel’s tenure.

As the university moves forward, it will be essential to prioritize transparency and accountability in its leadership and decision-making processes.