The University of Michigan is continuing to address the fallout from its independent review of the athletic department, and Interim President Domenico Grasso is making one thing clear: Warde Manuel’s decision to step down came from Manuel himself.
In a video released Monday morning, Grasso addressed the findings of the university’s independent Jenner & Block investigation while outlining the next steps for Michigan Athletics following the announcement that Manuel will leave his role as athletic director at the end of the 2026 calendar year.
Grasso: Manuel Requested to Step Down
According to Grasso, the decision originated with Manuel.
“I am announcing that Warde Manuel has told me that he would like to step down,” Grasso said as quoted by MLive. “I have the deepest respect for Warde and his countless contributions to Michigan and have asked him to stay on until the end of the calendar year.”
Grasso added that Manuel will not simply remain in place until his departure. Instead, he will take on an advisory role focused on helping the university implement reforms recommended by the independent investigation.
“I have asked him, along with one of my trusted vice presidents, to serve as a special advisor to the president and help implement these reforms, and I will be launching a national search for our next athletic director.”
Investigation Found Serious Concerns
Although Michigan has not released the full Jenner & Block report, Grasso acknowledged that the investigation uncovered significant issues that demand immediate attention.
“The investigation identified serious concerns that require immediate action.”
According to Grasso, investigators did not find evidence that any current university employee had direct, contemporaneous knowledge of former football coach Sherrone Moore’s relationship with former executive assistant Paige Shiver.
However, the review identified broader concerns involving accountability, organizational structure, reporting systems, and fears of retaliation.
“This is unacceptable,” Grasso said. “We have significant work ahead to restore Michigan Athletics to its standing as a model program not only on the field, but also off the field.”
Major Reforms Coming to Michigan Athletics
Grasso outlined several reforms the university plans to implement following the investigation, including:
- Standardizing misconduct investigation procedures.
- Expanding background checks.
- Strengthening the athletic department’s human resources operations.
- Enhancing physical and mental health resources for student-athletes.
- Improving reporting systems and accountability throughout the department.
He emphasized that meaningful change will require more than quick fixes.
“The culture assessment is sobering,” Grasso said. “As a great university, we simply must do better.”
He concluded by stressing that the work ahead will require long-term commitment.
“These are not quick fixes. They require sustained attention and structural change. Addressing them is essential to protecting our students, supporting our staff, and preserving the integrity of the University of Michigan.”
A New Era Begins
Manuel has served as Michigan’s athletic director since 2016, overseeing one of the most successful periods in school history, including four national championships and 95 Big Ten titles.
Now, with Manuel set to depart after the calendar year and a national search for his replacement on the horizon, Michigan faces one of the most significant leadership transitions in recent program history while attempting to restore confidence in the culture and governance of its athletic department.
