​Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel’s job status is now described as “in doubt” by multiple outlets as findings from a $12 million probe into the athletics department are poised to be presented. The Free Press has learned from several sources that Michigan’s leadership has been briefed on Jenner & Block’s findings. More recent reporting suggests Manuel’s future is at risk, potentially tied to the investigation’s conclusions.
The probe began after Sherrone Moore, U-M’s football coach for two seasons, was fired on December 10 for engaging in a romantic relationship with assistant Paige Shiver and for lying about the relationship when questioned. A central focus of Jenner & Block’s inquiry has been Manuel, a U-M alumnus who was hired as athletic director in 2016, along with broader scrutiny of the department’s culture in light of multiple scandals during his tenure.
A University of Michigan Board of Regents meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, in Traverse City, though no agenda has been released yet. A university spokesperson told the Free Press there are no plans to release Jenner & Block materials this week, but some reports indicate Manuel’s status may be discussed at the meeting.
Manuel signed a five-year extension as athletic director in December 2024, extending his tenure through June 2030, with a base salary of $1.9 million, according to a contract obtained by the Free Press via FOIA.
During a 2026 appearance, Manuel was seen near the Michigan locker room ahead of open practice at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
While Jenner & Block started by examining whether anyone in the department knew about Moore and Shiver’s relationship—a potential violation of the university’s code of conduct regarding “Supervisor-Employee Relationships”—the scope expanded after interim President Dominico Grasso released a video promising to leave “no stone unturned.” Grasso said the investigation would be guided by credible evidence and that further action would follow based on the findings, noting that Jenner & Block’s assignment would broaden to include an independent evaluation of the athletics department’s culture, conduct, and procedures.
Manuel’s contract contains a severance clause: if the university terminates him prior to the end of his term without cause, he would receive severance pay in monthly installments equal to the remainder of the contract term. The broader results of the Jenner & Block review are expected to influence any potential adjustments to the leadership of Michigan Athletics.