University of Michigan Athletics Director Warde Manuel to Resign Following Governance Probe

The University of Michigan announced on Monday that Director of Athletics Warde Manuel will resign from his position at the end of the calendar year. The decision follows the release of findings from an internal investigation into the culture and leadership within the athletics department, which identified critical failures in accountability and reporting structures.

The review, conducted over seven months by the law firm Jenner & Block at a cost of $12 million, highlighted three overarching areas requiring improvement: leadership accountability, organisational structure, and reporting culture. Specifically, the investigation cited failures to "quickly and effectively act on allegations of wrongdoing by Athletic Department employees." While the university released a basic overview of these findings, it confirmed that the full report will not be made public.

University President Domenico Grasso addressed students, faculty, and staff via a video message outlining the findings and the institution's planned response. The university stated that the video and associated website content could be used in reporting as on-the-record statements. However, the institution declined to release further documents or provide additional public statements regarding the matter.

Manuel’s departure comes amid broader turbulence within the athletics program, including the scandal involving former football coach Sherrone Moore and ongoing legal disputes. Moore resigned following an investigation into an inappropriate relationship with his executive assistant, Paige Shiver. Shiver has filed a lawsuit against the university, alleging violations of the Freedom of Information Act and seeking the public release of investigation records, arguing that the institution failed to protect its employees.

Further complicating the department’s recent history, former employee Chris Partridge has alleged in a lawsuit that Manuel and former University President Santa Ono discovered evidence of a sign-stealing operation in January 2023 but failed to report it to the NCAA or the Board of Regents. Partridge claims he was made a "scapegoat" for the situation. Manuel, who has served as athletics director since 2016, released a statement expressing pride in his tenure’s accomplishments but declined to elaborate on his decision to leave.