Sherrone Moore’s dismissal and arrest after an alleged inappropriate relationship with a Michigan staff member has prompted a lot of speculation about the Wolverines’ top management’s future with the program.
With all the rumors swirling around Michigan’s Athletic Director, Warde Manuel, being quashed now, some analysts are still questioning his level of involvement in the entire situation.
Despite contrary reports, Warde Manuel remains the Michigan athletic director as the school begins a search for its next coach, per @RossDellenger.
Michigan board members and university officials held a call earlier today that was related to the situation following Sherrone… pic.twitter.com/M730wZLXRN
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) December 11, 2025
Analyst David Cone, whilst discussing this entire fiasco pertaining to Moore and the Wolverines on the Crain and Company Podcast, questioned if Warde Manuel was sitting on the information about Moore’s alleged assault way back before he took action.
He further stated how problematic it is if the athletic director was waiting for Michigan to beat the Ohio State Buckeyes if he knew about the incident.
“If Warde Manuel knew that there was conduct that should result in a firing of the head football coach and he sat on that to say, “Well, we’re 9-2, let’s wait and see if we beat the Buckeyes,” I have a real problem with that”, Cone stated on the podcast (12:14).
“If you’re making your decision based off the on-field performance, I have a real problem with that. Similarly, if you were just waiting until the recruits signed, that also is problematic”, Cone explained (12:38).
Cone’s suspicion around Warde Manuel’s level of involvement in this entire debacle grew even stronger after the Wolverines hired former Ohio State defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs this December.
Cone emphasized that Coombs’ hiring by Manuel Warde was pre-planned, accusing the Athletic director of already thinking of dismissing Moore three weeks ago.
Warde Manuel’s Contract Runs Through June 2030
After signing a new deal with Michigan in December 2024, Warde Manuel will continue to be the Wolverines’ athletic director through June 2030.
Manuel remains among the highest-paid athletic directors in college sports, earning roughly $2.4 million annually, including deferred compensation.
He was the one to announce Moore’s firing, noting that the decision was based on credible findings from a university investigation.
With the transfer portal opening on January 2, 2026, Manuel now faces the urgent task of hiring a new head coach before recruits start decommitting ahead of the next season.
Also Read:
- Josh Pate Names the Perfect Fit for Michigan Job After Sherrone Moore Firing, And Its Not Kalen DeBoer
- “Painful Breach of Trust”: Michigan President Denounces Sherrone Moore After Coach Lands In Jail Amid Disturbing Allegations
- Michigan Transfer Portal: 5 Candidates Who Can Leave Wolverines Besides Bryce Underwood Amid Sherrone Moore Controversy
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