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Report: Michigan AD Warde Manuel’s buyout tops $7M

By Thomson Reuters Jul 27, 2026 | 10:39 AM

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel’s separation agreement reportedly includes a lump sum payment of more than $7 ​million.

Other perks will include a $108,000 ‌contribution to his retirement account and $82,000 toward attorney fees as well as eligibility for tickets to Wolverines games and golf privileges, ‌The ​Associated Press reported ⁠Monday.

Manuel is stepping down ⁠at the end of 2026, with the university announcing last week it is buying out the final ​three years on his contract.

Manuel, 58, who has held the position ⁠since 2016, has agreed ⁠not to work as an ​athletic director or senior athletic adviser ​for another Big Ten program for two ‌years after the date of his voluntary resignation on Dec. 31, per the report. He is allowed ⁠to take a job outside of the conference with no penalty.

Highlights of Manuel’s time in ⁠Ann ‌Arbor included national championships in ⁠football and men’s basketball, but ​his ‌tenure was ultimately engulfed ​in controversy ⁠thanks to a sign-stealing scandal involving former football coach Jim Harbaugh’s staff and an improper relationship with a staff member by Harbaugh’s successor, Sherrone Moore.

–Field ​Level Media