Michigan AD Manuel to step down at end of year

July 20, 2026 No Comments

Michigan AD Warde Manuel to step down at end of calendar yearESPNMultiple AuthorsJul 20, 2026, 09:26 AM ET

Warde Manuel will step down as Michigan athletic director at the end of the calendar year, the school unveiled Monday as part of the conclusion of an investigation into the culture of athletics at the university.

A search for a new AD will start immediately, according to the school, which released an overview of the investigation.

Michigan reported Manuel, whose current contract was set to run through 2030, “demonstrated important leadership strengths, particularly his commitment to student-athletes.”

But the school also acknowledged “failures” by Manuel to “quickly and effectively act on allegations of wrongdoing by Athletic Department employees.”