Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel to Depart Following Buyout Agreement

The University of Michigan announced Monday that athletic director Warde Manuel will depart the institution by the end of 2026 under a negotiated buyout agreement. The announcement concludes a tumultuous decade in which Manuel oversaw a department that claimed four national championships but faced mounting institutional controversies.

Michigan’s decision to part ways with Manuel stems directly from two ongoing investigations: one examining former football coach Sherrone Moore’s conduct with an executive assistant, and a broader examination of workplace culture within the athletic department. The school retained a law firm to conduct the expanded inquiry at a cost of approximately $12 million.

Manuel terminated Moore’s employment following the initial investigation into the coach’s relationship with his subordinate. During his preliminary review, Manuel interviewed both Moore and the woman involved, each denying the relationship was inappropriate, according to sources familiar with the matter. After examining their school-issued electronic devices and email records, Manuel found insufficient evidence to dismiss Moore for cause.

The 58-year-old Manuel, who played football and competed in track at Michigan under legendary coach Bo Schembechler, assumed control of the athletic department on January 29, 2016. He had recently signed a contract extension in 2024 that would have kept him in the position through June 2030.

During his tenure, Manuel oversaw a sprawling operation managing 29 sports teams, more than 950 athletes, and approximately 400 staff members with an annual budget near $250 million. The department secured national titles in men’s basketball this year under coach Dusty May, football in 2023 under Jim Harbaugh, and men’s and women’s gymnastics.

In 2024, the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame recognized Manuel with the John L. Toner Award for his administrative accomplishments and commitment to college athletics. He served on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee and chaired the group during the 2024 season when the 12-team playoff format debuted.

Manuel previously held athletic director positions at the University of Connecticut and the University at Buffalo before his Michigan appointment. He previously worked in various capacities within Michigan’s athletic department from 1996 through 2005 and is a native of New Orleans.