Michigan president addresses 'sobering' investigation findings

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Michigan finally has an answer with regards to athletic director Warde Manuel.

After an extensive investigation, Manuel, who has become a lightning rod of controversy following Sherrone Moore’s firing at the end of 2025, will step down as AD at the end of the calendar year.

Michigan president Domenico Grasso released a video talking about some of the things the investigation found (in extremely broad terms), stating several times the university needs to “do better.” He also called the findings of the investigation “sobering.”

After praising the success of the program in recent years under Manuel, which includes national championships in football and basketball, Grasso went into what prompted the opening of the investigation.

“I asked the law firm Jenner & Block to conduct two independent reviews: First, an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the conduct of former coach Sherrone Moore, who we terminated based on evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate,” Grasso said on the basis of the investigation. “And second, a review into the culture, conduct and procedures of our athletic department.”

Grasso added the investigation was to determine the breadth of the departmental issues around Moore’s firing.

“While we took decisive action by terminating coach Moore, we were also determined to learn if other employees should face disciplinary action,” he said.

While nothing around Moore’s firing demanded immediate response, Grasso said “the broader culture review has identified serious concerns that require immediate action,” including “failures in accountability; structural deficiencies; weaknesses in our reporting and support systems; and concerns about retaliation.”

With regard to Manuel stepping down, Grasso said he asked him to stay for the year.

“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, he said. “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.”

As part of his conclusion, Grasso held the Michigan Board of Regents and himself responsible, saying “the culture assessment is sobering.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michigan president addresses ‘sobering’ investigation findings

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