Warde Manuel Says He’s Not Going Anywhere as Michigan Investigation Nears Its End

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons lately. But if you ask him, he’s not going anywhere.

Manuel told Yahoo! Sports’ Ross Dellenger on Monday that he and the university president have had multiple conversations recently, and his job isn’t on the chopping block. “There are no plans for me not to continue to be the athletic director for the near future,” Manuel said.

That’s notable because the internal investigation into Michigan’s athletic department is reportedly wrapping up, and there’s been chatter that Manuel’s future could be uncertain depending on what the probe turns up. The university hasn’t confirmed any of that speculation, but Manuel’s own comments suggest he expects to stick around.

This is a guy who has overseen a lot of success. The football team won a national title after the 2023 season. The basketball program just won it all in 2025-26. But the off-field headlines have been relentless.

First there was the sign-stealing scandal involving Connor Stalions. That situation eventually pushed Jim Harbaugh out the door. Then Sherrone Moore, the guy who replaced him, got fired over an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Moore was later arrested. It’s been a lot.

And it’s not just football. On the basketball side, Dusty May stunned everyone by leaving to become the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. Michigan had to scramble and promote assistant Mike Boynton as the new head coach.

Manuel has also been in the national spotlight from his role as chair of the College Football Playoff selection committee during the 2024 season. So he’s been balancing a lot of different pressures at once.

The Wolverines are going through a massive amount of turnover this summer. The football program hired Utah’s Kyle Whittingham after a long search. The basketball program is adjusting to a new voice. Stability is a real concern, and whether Manuel stays or goes will say a lot about which direction the university wants to take.

A final decision on Manuel’s future is expected later this week.