**4 Michigan Scandals that Prove AD Warde Manuel Has to Go**
The University of Michigan's athletic department has been plagued by controversy in recent years, with four major scandals casting a dark shadow over the program's rise to prominence under the leadership of Athletic Director Warde Manuel and former head coach Jim Harbaugh.
1. Sherrone Moore's Firing for Inappropriate Relationship
In December 2023, Sherrone Moore was abruptly fired as the interim head coach of the Michigan Wolverines after an investigation revealed that he had engaged in an "inappropriate relationship with a staff member." The allegations were so serious that Manuel felt compelled to take action, stating that there was "credible evidence" to support the claims. Just days later, Moore was taken into custody for questioning regarding potential assault charges.
Moore's departure marked a significant blow to the program, which had been built on the reputation of Harbaugh and Manuel. The incident highlighted concerns about the department's handling of sensitive issues and raised questions about whether Manuel's leadership was adequate in addressing these problems.
2. Connor Stalions' Sign Stealing Scandal
The NCAA investigation into sign stealing by a low-level assistant coach, Connor Stalions, cast a shadow over the program's first national championship since 1997. The scandal revealed that Stalions had been secretly stealing opponents' signals from the sideline, even going so far as to disguise himself in order to gather information on future opponents.
Harbaugh was handed a 10-year show-cause restriction, while Moore received a two-year penalty and a three-game suspension. The program itself was fined $20 million for violating NCAA rules.
3. Jim Harbaugh's Recruiting Violations
In addition to the sign stealing scandal, Harbaugh faced sanctions for recruiting violations, including making in-person visits during the COVID-19 pandemic when such interactions were banned. Moore also received a one-game suspension for "impermissible contact with recruits."
These incidents highlighted concerns about the program's culture and whether it prioritized winning over adherence to NCAA rules.
4. Matt Weiss's Firing, Arrest, and Lawsuit
Offensive coordinator Matt Weiss was fired in 2023 after allegations of hacking and identity theft surfaced, leading to an FBI investigation. In 2025, he was indicted for hacking into computers at over 100 universities across the country, stealing the identities of more than 3,300 student athletes.
Weiss's indictment alleged that he used these computer systems to gain access to personal photos and other information not intended for the public. His targets were mostly female student athletes.
A Pattern of Corruption?
The cumulative effect of these scandals has left many questioning whether AD Warde Manuel is fit to lead the program forward. The repeated instances of corruption, abuse of power, and disregard for NCAA rules raise serious concerns about the department's culture and leadership.
It remains to be seen what steps will be taken to address these issues and restore integrity to the program. One thing is certain: if Manuel fails to take decisive action to root out this culture of corruption, his tenure as athletic director may soon come to an end.