ANN ARBOR — Michigan has officially launched a national search for athletic director, the university announced on Monday, Oct. 26.
President-elect C. Cybele Raver, whose term as the University of Michigan’s 17th president begins on Dec. 1, will lead the search along with current Michigan president Domenico Grasso. Michigan has retained search firm ZRG Turnkey to assist in the search. Current athletic director Warde Manuel will step down at the end of the year.
“The university is seeking a leader of unquestioned integrity who will take a fresh, comprehensive look at Michigan Athletics and guide the department through a period of transformational change in college sports,” the university said in a release posted to the university website.
Manuel will be paid $7,143,346, within 21 days of the date of his resignation. His last day is Dec. 31, 2026. His departure comes on the heels of Michigan spending $12 million on legal fees to investigate the firing last December of head football coach Sherrone Moore, who had an inappropriate relationship with his executive assistant, as well as a study of the athletic department’s culture.
Nominations for athletic director and thoughts on the search may be emailed to UMNominations@ZRGPartners.com.
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Michigan officially launches national search for athletic director