Michigan AD Warde Manuel to step down end of 2026

The University of Michigan announced on Monday, July 20, 2026, that Athletic Director Warde Manuel will step down at the end of the calendar year, concluding a decade-long tenure defined by historic athletic success and a series of damaging off-field controversies. The decision follows the completion of a $12 million independent culture review of the athletic department, which was launched after the firing of head football coach Sherrone Moore in December 2025.

Interim President Domenico Grasso stated that Manuel informed him of his desire to step down. Manuel, who has led the department since 2016, will remain through December as a special advisor to help implement reforms recommended in the review. Grasso said a national search for a new athletic director will begin immediately. The university confirmed that Manuel, whose contract originally ran through 2030, has agreed to a buyout.

The comprehensive review was conducted by the law firm Jenner & Block, which interviewed nearly 300 witnesses and reviewed more than 20,000 documents. While the investigation found misconduct was not widespread, it identified serious systemic failures. According to a university summary, the review...