After years of headline-worthy scandals within the Michigan athletic department, it seems as though athletic director Warde Manuel’s tenure could be coming to a close.
On Sunday, Ross Dellenger reported on X that Manuel’s future is “in doubt” due to the results of an investigation into the culture of the athletic department — results that are set to be publicly shared at Thursday’s meeting of Michigan’s Board of Regents. Subsequently, Dan Wetzel reported that a decision on Manuel’s future is expected “in the coming days.”
Back in December, Michigan commissioned an investigation by the law firm Jenner & Block of the firing and arrest of former football coach Sherrone Moore as well as the overall culture of the department. Michigan reportedly paid $12 million to investigate the scandal, and this past week, former football assistant Paige Shiver filed a lawsuit against the University for withholding records regarding Moore’s firing.
Even prior to this situation, Manuel and the athletic department had been embroiled in controversy. In 2022, a report revealed multiple instances of bullying and discrimination by former hockey coach Mel Pearson toward his subordinates. Manuel retained Pearson for months after the report came out. In 2023, an investigation found that former offensive coordinator Matt Weiss illegally obtained and downloaded the information of 1,300 students and alumni.
In 2024, Manuel signed a contract extension with the University that runs through 2030. The terms state that upon his firing, Manuel would be entitled to 36 months of severance pay unless the two parties come to a different agreement.
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