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Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel will receive a separation package worth more than $7 million after agreeing to step down at the end of 2026, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press through a Freedom of Information Act request. Under the agreement, the university will pay Manuel a lump sum of $7,143,346 within 21 days of his voluntary resignation on Dec. 31, 2026.
The university announced on July 20 that it would buy out the remaining three years of Manuel’s contract. Until his resignation becomes official, Manuel will remain employed in a special role while continuing to receive his salary and benefits.
Beyond the lump-sum payment, Michigan will also contribute $108,000 to Manuel’s retirement account and cover $82,000 in attorney fees. His separation package also includes continued health care and retirement benefits, eligibility for the Wolverines athletic event tickets and golf privileges provided to former athletic directors.
The agreement also removes a clause from Manuel’s contract that would have required him to repay the university nearly $4 million if he voluntarily left before July 1, 2028. Manuel, who signed a five-year contract extension in December 2024, was earning a $1.9 million base salary along with $350,000 in annual deferred compensation.
As part of the agreement, Manuel cannot serve as an athletic director or senior athletic adviser at another Big Ten institution for two years after his resignation. However, he is free to accept a position outside the conference without penalty.
Manuel, a former Michigan football player, has led the athletic department since 2016. His tenure included national championships in football and men’s basketball but also featured several major controversies. Those included the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal, the dismissal of football coach Sherrone Moore following findings related to an improper relationship with his executive assistant, and felony charges involving former assistant coach Matt Weiss.
An independent review by Jenner & Block concluded the athletic department needed improvements in leadership accountability, organizational structure, and reporting culture. While the report recognized Manuel’s leadership, it also found he did not respond quickly or effectively enough to allegations involving department employees.
The Wolverines have announced they will conduct a national search for their next athletic director.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel will receive a separation package worth more than $7 million after agreeing to step down at the end of 2026, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press through a Freedom of Information Act request. Under the agreement, the university will pay Manuel a lump sum of $7,143,346 within 21 days of his voluntary resignation on Dec.
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