This is news that we did not see coming at this time. The future of Warde Manuel at Michigan is in serious doubt, as both Pete Nakos and Ross Dellenger have reported that an upcoming Board of Regents meeting in Ann Arbor will include discussing Manuel continuing as athletic director at the university or not.
In short, there's belief that Manuel could be on his way out of town, with Dellenger reporting that this new drama stems from an internal investigation on how the Sherrone Moore firing went down. Manuel has been a bit under fire in recent months due to continued issues/scandals within the athletic department, but have things been finally sent over the top?
Manuel signed a five-year extension in 2024 through June 2030 at more than $2 million a year. A buyout provision in his contract requires a severance of 36 months of pay unless the school and Manuel reach a settlement agreement.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) July 12, 2026
An announcement could come as soon as this week.
Warde Manuel could be out as Michigan's athletic director in the near future
As Dellenger noted, Manuel signed an extension with Michigan not too long ago, which has him set to be the AD until 2030. He's earning more than $2 million per year, which is a handsome chunk of change for him. The success under his watch has been apparent, with the football team winning the natty with Jim Harbaugh leading the way, while Dusty May just powered the Wolverines to a national title as well on the hardwood.
However, things have been far from perfect on campus. Harbaugh and Michigan were hit with recruiting violations, while the sign-stealing scheme is something that won't be forgotten about in the near future. With Moore, he was fired after it was revealed that he was taking part in inappropriate relations with a university staff member. Since then, fans have been livid with Manuel, and they're voicing their displeasure about things right now all over social media:
— Signs Make Me Cope (@Ohiofuckinsux) July 12, 2026
Warde Manuel gone soon pic.twitter.com/i8NR4G8DW1
— AmaizingBlue (@A_MaizingBlue) July 12, 2026
We might actually be set free from Warde Manuel man 🥹 pic.twitter.com/XWmY603Bg2
— Kyle Whittinghog (@goblue_guru) July 12, 2026
please fire this loser man PLEASE
— Jack Cousins (@jackcuz5) July 12, 2026
Warde Manuel is out. Michigan fans just won their biggest game of the offseason. 😂
— Matt (@mattklop) July 12, 2026
I hope Warde Manuel is gone soon
— Top Tier Michigan (@TopTierUofM) July 12, 2026
The Tigers may have lost, but the news of Warde Manuel potentially getting the boot is making today much brighter
— Stanwood Takes (@StanwoodTakes) July 12, 2026
There are plenty more X posts just like those above. Again, it seems like frustration has been growing among the fanbase with Manuel of late, with the May exit adding to the anger. Michigan and May appeared to be moving towards an extension, but a new deal was never signed. Because of that, it opened the door for the Mavericks to hire him.
Mike Boynton has since been hired as the new head coach, getting his interim tag removed thanks to a two-year contract. It's a low-risk move with Boynton, but it also wasn't a popular decision for plenty of Michigan supporters. That's on Manuel.
For now, Manuel remains Michigan's AD, a post he has held since 2016. However, it's as clear as mud as to whether or not the same is going to be the case once Michigan opens up its first fall camp under Kyle Whittingham. We will surely have more answers coming in soon, but Manuel leaving UM may be something for people to get mentally prepared for.
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