Michigan is sending outgoing athletic director Warde Manuel out the door with a hefty golden parachute. The university has agreed to pay Manuel a lump sum of $7.14 million as part of a settlement agreement, according to The Detroit News via Front Office Sports. The deal also includes a retirement contribution of $108,000, which must be paid within 21 days of his departure.
But the cash isn't the only perk. Manuel will retain what the university calls “former athletic director privileges,” which include access to sports tickets and golf privileges. Michigan will also cover $82,000 in attorneys' fees for Manuel. In exchange for these benefits, his personnel file will reflect that he “voluntarily resigned,” effective at the end of the year.
Manuel's exit comes after a decade-long run marked by both triumph and turmoil. He oversaw Michigan's football program during the Jim Harbaugh era, which included a national championship but also significant NCAA violations under Sherrone Moore. The school has faced scrutiny over its handling of the scandal, and Manuel's departure is seen as part of a broader shakeup.
A Non-Compete Clause Keeps Him Out of the Big Ten
If Manuel wants to stay in college athletics, he'll have to look outside the Big Ten. The settlement includes a non-compete clause that bars him from serving as an athletic director or senior athletic adviser for any Big Ten program until 2028. That means rival schools like Ohio State or Penn State won't be able to hire him for at least two years.
Manuel's statement on his departure was measured but proud. “I am very proud of all the successes and accomplishments of our athletic department over the past 11 years,” he said. “We have tremendous coaches and professionals who support our outstanding student athletes every day.” He added that he plans to stay on through December to help with the transition.
Michigan's New Era Begins
The Wolverines are entering a new chapter under new leadership in both football and basketball. The school's next AD will inherit a program that has been embroiled in multiple controversies, including a lawsuit from a former aide over withheld records. The new hire will be tasked with restoring the department's reputation and ensuring compliance moving forward.
Manuel's payout is a reminder of the high cost of change in college sports. While the $7.14 million figure is eye-popping, it's not unprecedented for a major athletic program to buy out a top executive. The question now is whether Michigan's new AD can steer the ship through choppy waters and avoid the kind of turbulence that marked Manuel's final years.
For now, Manuel can enjoy his golf privileges and sports tickets, but he'll have to watch the Big Ten from the sidelines for a while.
