Michigan AD Manuel Addresses Job Status Amid Probe

Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel has publicly addressed speculation regarding his job security, stating he does not expect to be removed from his position. Reports surfaced Sunday indicating his status was uncertain after an external investigation into the athletic department's culture. Manuel asserted that he and university President Domenico Grasso have had "several great conversations" and that "no plans" exist for him not to continue as athletic director in the near future.

The university's board of regents is scheduled to meet on Thursday in Traverse City, Michigan, to review the findings of a $12 million probe. This investigation was initiated in December following the scandal involving former head football coach Sherrone Moore. A university spokesman confirmed the board's meeting but declined to comment on the release of any materials from the investigation conducted by the law firm Jenner & Block.

Manuel, 58, signed a contract extension in December 2024, valid through June 30, 2030, with an annual base salary of $1.9 million. If terminated without cause before the contract's end, he is reportedly entitled to 36 months of severance pay. The university could also mutually agree to a buyout. The probe was authorized to conduct an "independent evaluation of culture, conduct and procedures throughout our athletics department."

The investigation gained significant attention following the termination of Sherrone Moore on December 10, 2025. He was fired for cause due to a relationship with his then-executive assistant, Paige Shiver, and subsequent alleged incidents. Moore was sentenced to 18 months of probation in April after pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges, with original felony charges dismissed. Moore's tenure included a 16-8 record, but he and Jim Harbaugh were also involved in a sign-stealing controversy. Former co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss also faces charges in a separate case.