Michigan AD Warde Manuel rips ‘nonsense’ social media for ‘firing him 3 times’

Michigan has had a lot of success in the world of sports as of late. Warde Manuel took over as the AD of Michigan in 2016. Since then, the university has seen four national championships. The Wolverines won a title in women’s gymnastics in 2021, football in 2023, men’s gymnastics in 2025, and men’s basketball in 2026. Despite all the athletic success, the athletic department has been shrouded in controversy, which could lead to the dismissal of Athletic Director Wadre Manuel.

Now, Manuel is firing back at those who think he is going to be fired, according to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports.

“Don’t believe everything out there,” Manuel said. “I think I’ve been fired by social media three times. It’s nonsense. It affects my staff and my family.”

Manuel also believes that it is outside factors that are leaking information to the media about the possibility that is job is in jeopardy.

“People with zero knowledge of what’s going on are talking about things are happening. I wish we got to the point in society where people put their names to things,” The Michigan AD added.

Manuel played football at Michigan from 1986 through 1989. He would begin his career in administration in 2000 as an associate athletic director at Michigan in 2000. Manuel would then become the Athletic Director at Buffalo in 2005, staying there through 2012. He was then in the same role at Connecticut from 2012 through 2016 before heading to Michigan.

There has now been speculation that a buy-out is in the works for Manuel, but he did not confirm that.

“Of note, Manuel was asked directly if he’s held any buyout conversations with Michigan and he did not answer directly, instead mentioning that he’s had several conversations with the president about the future,” Dellinger posted on X, formerly Twitter.

There is also an internal report set to come out around the Sherrone Moore situation.

“I’m here today and I know I’m going to be here tomorrow. I feel confident in the things I’ve done here at Michigan, not for Warde but for the University of Michigan,” Manuel said.

As more comes out around the Moore situation, along with the Connor Stallions scandal, questions about the culture under Jim Harbaugh, and Dusty May sudden departure for the Dallas Mavericks, Manuel knows he still wants to continue at Michigan.

“Because I love this place. My blood, sweat and tears are in Michigan Stadium, on the fields of play and in Schembechler Hall. I’ve been a part of this place for 40 years. I have a deep love for this place,” Manuel concluded.

While Manuel may want to stay, the question is whether the university wants him back.

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