Michigan Regents to Review Athletic Investigation, Manuel

The University of Michigan's Board of Regents is scheduled to meet on Thursday, July 16, to discuss the findings of a costly, months-long external investigation into the culture of the athletic department, placing the future of Athletic Director Warde Manuel in question. The review, initiated in December 2025, was commissioned after the firing of head football coach Sherrone Moore and has reportedly cost the university more than $11 million.

Manuel, 58, has led Michigan athletics since 2016. Despite overseeing a period of significant competitive success, including national championships in football, men's basketball, and gymnastics, his tenure has been marred by a series of high-profile scandals. The investigation by the law firm Jenner & Block was described as an independent evaluation of the department's culture, conduct, and procedures.

The probe was launched shortly after the university fired Moore for cause on December 10, 2025, for having an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, his then-executive assistant Paige Shiver. On the day of his dismissal, Moore went to Shiver's apartment, leading to his arrest. He later reached a plea deal on misdemeanor charges of...