Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel remained in his post Thursday despite widespread social media speculation that he had been fired in the aftermath of Sherrone Moore’s dismissal and arrest.
The rumors started when Barstool Sports founder and Michigan alum Dave Portnoy posted on X that Manuel had been let go, declaring, “So Warde Manuel is out. We have no coach. No AD. Chaos is a ladder.”
So Warde Manuel is out. We have no coach. No AD. Chaos is a ladder. Who will lead us?! Never fear Johnny is here! Pic.twitter.com/7W6ZtXWnlK
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) December 11, 2025
The claim spread rapidly across college football landscape, but it was inaccurate, according to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger, who reported late Thursday that Manuel remains employed. He also said that university leaders, including board members, convened only to address the unfolding Moore situation.
Michigan board members and university officials held a call earlier today related to the situation with Sherrone Moore, sources tell @YahooSports. Despite reports to the contrary, Warde Manuel remains the athletic director as the school begins a search for its next coach.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 11, 2025
Moore was terminated Wednesday after investigators determined he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. A few hours later, he was taken into custody as a suspect in an alleged assault and is expected to be arraigned Friday.
Manuel, who has served as Michigan’s athletic director since 2016, has come under intense scrutiny as the football program navigates its latest crisis. His decision to elevate Moore to replace Jim Harbaugh in 2024 is now under renewed examination. New details have emerged about the circumstances surrounding Moore’s firing.
Michigan had been alerted prior to Wednesday that Sherrone Moore was dealing with mental health issues yet Warde Manuel fired him alone with no HR rep and no security present, source told @NBCSports.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) December 11, 2025
NBC Sports’ Nicole Auerbach reported that Manuel dismissed Moore alone, without a human resources representative present, and that the university was aware Moore had been struggling with mental health issues.
This is not the first controversy to surface during Manuel’s tenure either, which has included multiple high-profile disciplinary issues involving coaches and athletes. Despite the issues, Michigan extended Manuel’s contract in December 2024, keeping him in place through June 2030 at a base salary of $1.9 million, according to USA TODAY Sports.
As Michigan searches for its next head coach, university president Domenico Grasso urged the campus community to cooperate with the ongoing investigation and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to accountability.
For now, despite external pressure and online speculation, Manuel remains in charge of Michigan'a athletic department at a moment of extreme uncertainty.
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