Amid speculation about his future, Michigan’s athletic director, Warde Manuel, stands firm in defending his track record, despite an active investigation putting his position at risk.
On Monday, ESPN revealed that Michigan’s board of regents is set to delve into an inquiry regarding the culture within the university’s athletic department, which will also include discussions about Manuel’s role.
The probe was initiated last December, following the dismissal of football coach Sherrone Moore, who was terminated due to an inappropriate conduct involving a fellow staff member.
“I’m not seeking recognition for Michigan’s achievements,” Manuel expressed to The Michigan Insider, “but I refuse to let people claim that all the progress occurred in spite of Warde Manuel.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his position, Manuel has asserted he wishes to remain at Michigan. However, he acknowledges engaging in multiple discussions with the university’s leadership regarding a possible contract buyout, given the precarious situation.
He has four years left on a contract extension he signed in December 2024, with an average annual compensation of $2.4 million, according to ESPN.
“I love this place,” Manuel said. “My blood, sweat and tears are somewhere in Michigan Stadium and on the fields of play and in Schembechler Hall and on the track. … So if it’s up to me to face the challenges that I face to help the student-athletes, the coaches, the staff to be successful, then that’s the challenges I’m going to face.
“Nobody said this job was going to be easy. And whenever I leave Michigan, whoever steps in here next shouldn’t assume Michigan is easy.”
Manuel has found immense success on the field in Ann Arbor, winning a football and a basketball national championship since 2023.
However, off-the-field issues have tarnished the success and the school’s reputation.
Michigan’s football title in 2023 was sullied from controversy around former head coach Jim Harbaugh’s and Conor Stalions sign stealing scandal.
Then Harbaugh’s replacement, Moore, was fired in December for the his relationship with executive assistant Paige Shiver and his subsequent arrested for home invasion and stalking.
Michigan’s co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2022 Matt Weiss is also facing felony aggravated identity theft and unauthorized access to computers charges.
ESPN reports the investigation on Michigan’s athletic department, done by Chicago law firm Jenner & Block, cost over $11 million.
Manuel said he has not seen the full report, but thinks “99.9% of the people in this organization are working to do things the right way, and I’m going to work to not have them and this place be defined by those who have made bad decisions.”
“I don’t know what the future is going to be or how long I’ll be in this position,” Manuel said, “but I know I’m here today and I’ll be here tomorrow and I feel confident in the things I’ve done here at Michigan.”