After years of headline-worthy scandals within the Michigan athletic department, it seems as though athletic director Warde Manuel\u2019s tenure could be coming to a close.\u00a0<\/p>\n
On Sunday, Ross Dellenger reported on X<\/a> that Manuel\u2019s future is \u201cin doubt\u201d due to the results of an investigation into the culture of the athletic department \u2014 results that are set to be publicly shared at Thursday\u2019s meeting of Michigan\u2019s Board of Regents.\u00a0Subsequently, Dan Wetzel reported<\/a> that a decision on Manuel\u2019s future is expected \u201cin the coming days.\u201d<\/p>\n 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<\/a> $12 million to investigate the scandal, and this past week, former football assistant Paige Shiver filed a lawsuit<\/a> against the University for withholding records regarding Moore\u2019s firing.\u00a0<\/p>\n Even prior to this situation, Manuel and the athletic department had been embroiled in controversy. In 2022, a report revealed<\/a> multiple instances of bullying and discrimination by former hockey coach Mel Pearson toward his subordinates. Manuel retained<\/a> Pearson for months after the report came out. In 2023, an investigation found<\/a> that former offensive coordinator Matt Weiss illegally obtained and downloaded the information of 1,300 students and alumni.<\/p>\n