Former footballer Warde Manuel, who is the reigning Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics at the University of Michigan, has reportedly been fired by the university. As of now, there is no confirmation from Michigan Athletics about Manuel’s departure.
Manuel has been a controversial figure atop the Michigan athletics administration, to say the least. In his 10-year tenure at Michigan, which started in 2016, several controversies have gripped the Michigan Athletics programs over the years. It has put Manuel’s role under the scanner, leading many Michigan faithful to call for his firing from the program.
But those demands were not heeded, even after the controversy surrounding former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore. Then, on Sunday, reports emerged that Warde Manuel has been fired by Michigan and the terms of his separation with the program are now being discussed.
Report Claims Warde Manuel Has Been Fired
On Sunday, Justin Spiro, a top Michigan sports commentator on social media and the host of “The Spiro Avenue Show”, reported on X that Warde Manuel has been fired. The former MSU alumnus claimed that the University of Michigan is negotiating the terms of his release, and an announcement is expected this week.
“Warde Manuel is OUT as Michigan Athletic Director,” Spiro wrote in an X post. “The university is negotiating terms of his release. An announcement is expected this week.”
This story is being updated.
