Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel agrees to buyout after probe, will step down at end of 2026 - AP News

What the report says

The Associated Press reports that the University of Michigan and athletic director Warde Manuel have reached a buyout agreement covering the final three years of his contract, with Manuel set to leave the role at the end of 2026. The decision, announced Monday in Ann Arbor, follows a broader review of the athletic department and an earlier investigation involving former football coach Sherrone Moore’s relationship with an executive assistant.

Interim university president Domenico Grasso said the culture review raised serious issues requiring prompt action, while also asking Manuel to remain through the end of the year to help carry out recommended changes. Manuel, in a statement released by the athletic department, said he would assist with those improvements and speak further about his decision later.

AP reported that the review, conducted by a law firm, included nearly 300 interviews, more than 90 hotline submissions and a review of over 20,000 documents. The university said investigators found concerns involving leadership accountability, organizational structure and whether athletes and employees felt safe raising problems, but did not find widespread misconduct. It also said no current employee was tied by direct evidence to Moore’s relationship with his executive assistant.

Manuel, 58, a former Michigan football and track athlete, has led the department since 2016. His tenure included national titles in football, men’s basketball and gymnastics, but also turbulence around the football program, including NCAA probation and staff-related controversies. Michigan said it will launch a national search for his successor.