Michigan releases outline of internal investigation, findings about Warde Manuel, Sherrone Moore

After announcing athletics director Warde Manuel will step down at the end of the calendar year, Michigan released an outline about the Jenner & Block internal investigation. It includes findings about Manuel and former head football coach Sherrone Moore, but did not disclose any actions regarding personnel, citing university policy. UM confirmed the investigation did not find that misconduct was widespread throughout the athletics department. However, it did find that “weaknesses in accountability, organizational structure, oversight, and reporting created conditions in which misconduct was not always addressed consistently, promptly, or in accordance with University expectations.” [ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ] With regard to Moore, the investigation did not identify any university employee with “direct” and “contemporaneous” evidence of the relationship he had with a staff member, which led to his firing in December 2025. As for Manuel, the investigation praised strengths in his leadership, but said there were some failures to act quickly in some situations. “The culture review found that Warde Manuel demonstrated important leadership strengths, particularly his commitment to student-athletes,” the outline read. “At the same time, it identified failures to quickly and effectively act on allegations of wrongdoing by Athletic Department employees.” Jenner & Block’s investigation also included some recommendations about accountability and “organizational effectiveness” within the UM athletics department. They include strengthening compliance, improving the processes for reporting and escalating concerns, and strengthening leadership in athletics and organizational structure. Michigan had brought in Jenner & Block in November to investigate the culture of the athletics department. The firm also was part of an inquiry into Moore, which ultimately led to his dismissal as head coach in January amid allegations of an improper relationship with a staff member. Following his dismissal, the university moved to widen the investigation. The investigation has come at a cost, though. Michigan payed Jenner & Block more than $12 million, according to the Detroit Free Press. Manuel’s future came into question last week ahead of a Michigan Board of Regents meeting, but athletics was not discussed. Monday morning, the school announced Manuel will step down at the end of the calendar year. He has been in the role since 2016.