We are members of the University of Michigan community—students, alumni, fans, and supporters—who are deeply concerned about the leadership of Michigan Athletics under Athletic Director Warde Manuel.

 

The role of an Athletic Director at an institution like the University of Michigan is not simply to oversee competition, but to provide competent leadership, transparency, and accountability, especially during moments of crisis. Unfortunately, under Warde Manuel’s tenure, Michigan Athletics has repeatedly fallen short of these expectations.

 

In recent years, the athletic department has been associated with multiple high-profile controversies and serious incidents that raised legitimate questions about oversight, judgment, and institutional response. In several cases, the administration’s handling of these matters appeared slow, unclear, or dismissive of public concern—fueling the perception that protecting the department’s image was prioritized over transparency and accountability.

 

Most notably, the handling of the Sherrone Moore situation raised serious concerns among fans and alumni regarding what senior leadership knew, when they knew it, and how openly that information was communicated. Regardless of legal or procedural outcomes, the lack of clarity and decisive leadership from the athletic department created unnecessary instability and damaged trust within the Michigan community.

 

Additionally, the department’s response to other high-visibility incidents involving individuals connected to the program—including situations that drew national attention—has further reinforced concerns that Michigan Athletics under Warde Manuel reacts defensively rather than proactively. At a university that prides itself on integrity and leadership, ambiguity and silence during moments of controversy undermine confidence in administrative competence.

 

An effective Athletic Director must:

 

Act decisively when serious issues arise
Communicate clearly and transparently with stakeholders
Hold leadership to consistent standards
Protect the integrity of the institution, not merely its public image

 

 

Too often, Michigan Athletics under Warde Manuel has appeared reactive, opaque, and slow to address legitimate concerns, placing coaches, student-athletes, and the broader university community in untenable positions.

 

This pattern of leadership failure has contributed to:

 

Erosion of trust among fans and alumni
Increased scrutiny and reputational damage
Organizational instability during critical moments

 

 

Michigan deserves better.

 

We believe the University of Michigan requires an Athletic Director who leads with accountability, transparency, and decisiveness—especially when faced with controversy. Leadership is defined not by avoiding problems, but by how responsibly and openly those problems are handled.

 

For these reasons, we respectfully call on University leadership to remove Warde Manuel as Athletic Director and begin a search for new leadership that reflects the standards, values, and excellence expected of Michigan Athletics.

 

Sign this petition if you believe Michigan Athletics deserves competent, transparent leadership worthy of “Leaders and the Best.”