Warde Manuel: Too Little Too Late

The catalyst for Manuel’s downfall was his disastrous hiring and then handling of former head coach Sherrone Moore. Hand-picked by Manuel to replace Jim Harbaugh, Moore’s tenure lasted less than two seasons before collapsing into an administrative, legal and public relations nightmare. Moore was fired for cause after credible evidence showed an inappropriate romantic relationship with an assistant.

On the field, Moore took over a program that prospered during a 15-0 National Championship season and produced a 17-8 two-season stretch that failed to take advantage of the historic run. While the fanbase was still enjoying its honeymoon phase, Moore and Manuel were embarrassing the program.

Before Moore took the spotlight, there were the soap opera fiascos involving Connor Stalions and Matt Weiss. Stalions was a sign-stealing mastermind while Weiss was indicted on 24 federal felony counts for a massive cybercrime and hacking scheme. Rather than taking the initiative and cleaning house when the NCAA and media began circling, Manuel did nothing. This left a staggered Michigan vulnerable to penalties, multi-million-dollar fines, and a stained legacy.

Through all of this, Michigan decided to extend Manuel’s contract through 2030. Instead of showing him the exit or at the very least putting him on a shorter leash, the Board of Regents made the situation worse. And because of their decision, firing Manuel will trigger a massive multi-million-dollar buyout built into his recent contract extension.

Removing Manuel is the only logical path forward, but Michigan has been on this path before and instead has taken unnecessary detours. The title was won, but the damage was done. And now the inevitable housecleaning will take place, while the trash has continued to accumulate.

Unless Michigan decides to take yet another pointless detour.