The future of University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel is uncertain as the school's Board of Regents prepares to discuss an ongoing probe into the athletic department's culture. A decision on Manuel's tenure is anticipated in the coming days, according to ESPN.
The investigation was initiated in December following the dismissal of football coach Sherrone Moore. The probe followed the discovery of an inappropriate relationship between Moore and a staff member, which reportedly led to Moore driving to the staffer's home and his subsequent arrest. Moore has since reached a plea agreement for misdemeanor charges of malicious use of a telecommunications device and trespassing.
The Chicago law firm Jenner & Block has been conducting the investigation. A key aspect of the upcoming report is expected to detail how much Manuel and other athletic department officials knew about the relationship between Moore and the staffer, Paige Shiver, before the situation escalated.
This situation marks the latest in a series of high-profile controversies within the athletic department during Manuel's leadership. Prior incidents include a sign-stealing scheme orchestrated by former football staffer Connor Stalions and federal charges against former offensive coordinator Matt Weiss for felony aggravated theft and unauthorized access to computers.
Manuel has served as Michigan's athletic director since 2016. During his tenure, the athletic department has also achieved significant success. The football program secured a national title in January 2024, and the men's basketball team won a championship in the spring. Additionally, the women's gymnastics team won a national title in 2021, and the men's gymnastics team won theirs in 2025. Manuel's current contract extends through 2030.