Warde Manuel and Michigan Athletics: From Championships to Crisis
When Warde Manuel took over as athletic director at the University of Michigan in 2016, the expectations were sky-high. A former Wolverine himself, Manuel seemed like the perfect fit to carry on the legacy of “The Michigan Man”-a phrase that once evoked tradition, pride, and excellence across the school’s storied athletic programs.
But nearly a decade later, that phrase carries a very different weight. Yes, there have been national championships and revenue milestones under Manuel’s leadership.
But there’s also been a relentless wave of controversy-scandals, firings, indictments-that have left Michigan’s athletic department in a state of constant crisis management. And with the recent firing of head football coach Sherrone Moore, the pressure on Manuel has reached a boiling point.
A Decade of Success-and Scandal
Let’s be clear: Manuel’s tenure hasn’t been short on success. Michigan has celebrated national titles and made major financial gains during his time in charge. But the wins on the field have been increasingly overshadowed by what’s gone wrong off it.
The list of controversies under Manuel’s watch reads more like a legal brief than a resume. From toxic locker rooms to federal indictments, the department has seen it all. Here’s a timeline of some of the most serious issues that have rocked Michigan Athletics during his tenure:
2022 - Hockey: Mel Pearson Fired
Pearson, once seen as a steady hand for Michigan hockey, was dismissed after an internal investigation revealed a deeply troubling culture.
Among the findings: players were allegedly pressured to lie on COVID-19 forms. The fallout painted a picture of a program that had lost its way-and an athletic department that failed to act until things spiraled.
2022-2024 - Basketball: Juwan Howard’s Controversial Run
A Michigan hero as a player, Howard’s time as head coach was marked by both high-profile wins and high-profile incidents.
Most notably, he was involved in multiple physical altercations with opposing coaches and staff. Ultimately, it wasn’t just the sideline behavior that ended his tenure-it was a combination of performance issues and a culture that no longer aligned with the university’s expectations.
2023 - Football: The Connor Stalions Sign-Stealing Saga
This one made national headlines.
The sign-stealing scandal led to multiple suspensions for head coach Jim Harbaugh and significant NCAA penalties. The controversy didn’t just damage Michigan’s reputation-it raised serious questions about oversight and accountability within the football program.
2023-2025 - Football: Matt Weiss Indicted
Weiss, once the co-offensive coordinator, is now facing 24 federal charges related to hacking medical databases to steal intimate images of athletes. The case is still unfolding, but it’s already one of the most disturbing episodes in recent college football memory-and it happened under Michigan’s roof.
2025 - Football: Sherrone Moore Fired
Just days ago, Moore was let go after what the university described as an “inappropriate relationship” with a staffer.
That alone would have been a major story. But it didn’t stop there-he’s now facing felony charges connected to a home invasion.
Reports suggest the relationship in question was an “open secret” within the department for two years, raising serious concerns about why no action was taken sooner.
The “Michigan Man” Philosophy Under Fire
One of the defining traits of Manuel’s leadership has been his reliance on the “Michigan Man” ethos-hiring former players and coaches with deep ties to the university. On paper, it’s a romantic idea: bring in people who understand the culture, who bleed maize and blue, and who will uphold the school’s values.
But critics argue that this approach has created a dangerous level of insulation. Familiarity, they say, has too often trumped accountability.
In the case of Sherrone Moore, the warning signs were reportedly there for years. Yet nothing was done until legal charges made inaction impossible.
This isn’t just about one hire or one scandal. It’s about a pattern-one where red flags are missed or ignored, and where the internal culture prioritizes loyalty over transparency.
What Comes Next for Warde Manuel?
Despite the mounting controversies, Manuel still holds his position. He signed a contract extension in 2024 that runs through June 2030, which includes a significant buyout. That kind of financial cushion usually signals job security-but things are shifting quickly.
The University of Michigan Board of Regents has brought in a prominent legal firm to conduct a comprehensive, independent investigation into the athletic department. That move alone speaks volumes. It’s not the kind of step you take if everything’s running smoothly.
Several factors are now working against Manuel:
- Financial Fallout: Between NCAA fines and legal settlements-most notably the $490 million Robert Anderson settlement-the department’s bottom line is taking a hit. That’s not just a budget issue; it’s a leadership issue.
- Leadership Vacuum: Michigan is currently operating under an interim university president. When a permanent one is named, there’s a strong chance they’ll want to install their own athletic director-someone who can offer a clean slate.
- Recruiting Chaos: The football program is in disarray, and with the transfer portal wide open, the instability is already hurting Michigan’s ability to attract and retain top talent. In today’s college football landscape, perception is everything-and right now, Michigan’s brand is taking a beating.
The Verdict Is Coming
Warde Manuel came back to Ann Arbor to steady the ship. Instead, he’s navigating through storm after storm.
The trophies in the case still shine, but the headlines are darker than ever. As the investigation into the department’s culture continues, the question isn’t just whether Manuel can survive this moment-it’s whether Michigan can afford for him to.
In a place where tradition runs deep and winning matters, the balance between loyalty and leadership has never been more critical. And right now, the scales are tipping.