The speculation surrounding Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel has come to an end.
According to a statement shared by University of Michigan spokesperson Paul Corliss, Manuel will step down as athletic director at the end of the 2026 calendar year, with a national search set to begin for his successor.
The university has not announced a replacement or provided additional details regarding the transition.
University Confirms Manuel’s Departure
The statement confirms that Manuel will remain in his role through the end of the year before officially stepping aside.
The university’s statement reads:
“At this time, the university does not have any additional public statements planned regarding these matters, nor does the university plan to release any associated documents. We can confirm, however, that Director of Athletics Warde Manuel will step down at the end of the calendar year and a search for a new AD will be conducted.”
End of a Decade in Ann Arbor
Manuel has served as Michigan’s athletic director since 2016, overseeing one of the most successful eras in the department’s history.
During his tenure, Michigan celebrated national championships across multiple sports, including football and men’s basketball, while capturing numerous Big Ten titles and maintaining one of the nation’s premier athletic departments.
At the same time, his administration also navigated several high-profile controversies, including the Connor Stallions sign-stealing scandal, NCAA investigations involving the football program, and the investigation into former football coach Sherrone Moore.
What’s Next?
Michigan has not identified a timetable for naming Manuel’s successor, but the university confirmed that a search for a new athletic director will begin.
With Manuel remaining in his position through the end of the calendar year, the Wolverines now have several months to conduct one of the most significant leadership searches in college athletics.
More information is expected as the university begins the process of identifying the next leader of Michigan Athletics.
