The plot is thickening in Ann Arbor as the latest Warde Manuel update comes from Yahoo College Sports reporter Ross Dellenger. The initial reports about Manuel's potential departure from Michigan based on a buyout agreement with the university came from Dellenger, and now he is reporting the latest comment from Manuel, which has certainly complicated things.
Dellenger reached out for a comment from Warde on Monday, and buckle up, Michigan fans, because this one certainly makes no sense with all the other reports circling around.
"The president and I have had several great conversations over the past couple of days," Manuel told Dellenger. "There are no plans for me not to continue to be the athletic director for the near future.”
Reached for comment Monday, Warde Manuel told @YahooSports, “The president and I have had several great conversations over the past couple of days. There are no plans for me not to continue to be the athletic director for the near future.”
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) July 13, 2026
This feels like it could be a last-ditch effort on Manuel's part in trying to save his job. The president doesn't have the final say, though, on whether or not Manuel keeps his job. That will come down to the decision of the Michigan Board of Regents.
Conflicting reports about Warde Manuel's future will have Michigan fans wondering what is to come
Manuel's comments certainly have us all wondering what will truly happen come Thursday when the Michigan Board of Regents meets to discuss multiple topics, Manuel's future at Michigan being one of them. Not only is Michigan dealing with Manuel's future, but now, another lawsuit has been brought on by former Michigan assistant Chris Partridge.
The lawsuit filed by Partridge indicates that Manuel knew of the sign-stealing scheme Michigan was accused of in 2023, well before it became public. It also alleges that Manuel knew of former head coach Sherrone Moore having an inappropriate relationship with former executive assistant Paige Shivers. These are simply allegations and have not been proven in court.
This is poor timing for Manuel, and as much as he may believe his job is safe in Ann Arbor, he does not have a lot of say in the matter. While discussions have reportedly been good between Manuel and Michigan president Domenico Grasso, based on the statement from Manuel, it truly doesn't mean anything until a firm decision is made on Thursday.
Manuel has been the center of criticism at Michigan for a while, not just concerning the scandals the Wolverines have found themselves in the middle of the last few years, but also for not being able to retain championship-winning coaches.
When it came to Jim Harbaugh leaving Ann Arbor, that very well could have been more about the sign-stealing scandal than anything else. However, Manuel had an extension ready to go for Harbaugh after winning the 2023 National Championship, but it was never signed.
Fast forward two years to April 2026, and Michigan is coming off another National Championship, this one coming on the hardwood thanks to the leadership of head coach Dusty May. Shortly after the title win, Manuel announced that a contract extension for May is in the works. All seemed well in Ann Arbor until just a few weeks ago, when May announced he was taking the Dallas Mavericks head coaching position.
It was then reported that May never signed that reported contract extension, leaving him to pay a lesser buyout. Michigan yet again had to go on the hunt for a new head coach, making Mike Boynton the interim. As reported last week, the 'interim' title is already gone for Boynton, with Manuel giving him a two-year deal as the new Michigan head coach.
After all of that, Michigan may soon be on the hunt for a new athletic director, but in the mind of Manuel, the job will still be his after this meeting on Thursday.
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