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Former Michigan Wolverines running back Jamie Morris says the University of Michigan is entering a period of transition following Athletic Director Warde Manuel s decision to step down, while expressing confidence that the athletic department can recover from recent controversies.
Morris, who played alongside Manuel at Michigan, shared his reaction after the university announced on Tuesday (July 21) that Manuel will leave his post at the end of the year to serve as a special adviser to President Domenico Grasso with Local 4.
The announcement follows the release of an independent review by the law firm Jenner & Block that examined the athletic departments culture after former football coach Sherrone Moore was dismissed over what the university described as an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
What the review found The review found that no current employee had direct, contemporaneous knowledge of the relationship, but identified broader concerns involving accountability, organizational structure, reporting systems, and fears of retaliation.
University officials said they plan to strengthen the independence of the athletic departments compliance office, expand human resources support and create confidential, independent resources for student-athletes reporting personnel concerns.
Morris reacts to Manuels departure Morris said he believes Michigans leadership is changing course during a pivotal time for the university.
We need a new president also; we need new ideas from everybody, Morris said.
If not going with Warde is the thing they want to do, Im sure Warde stepped aside and said, OK, we can go in another direction.
Despite recent scandals, Morris defended Manuels tenure, citing accomplishments such as a football national championship and coaching hires in football and mens basketball.
Theres nobody outside of Don Canham that has done what Warde has done in his career at the University of Michigan," Morris said.
Warde will go down as one of the great athletic directors in Michigan history.
Controversies extend beyond one administrator, Morris says Asked about controversies that occurred during Manuels leadership, including the football sign-stealing scandal and issues within multiple athletic programs, Morris said the challenges facing college athletics extend beyond one administrator.
This doesnt just happen at Michigan.
This happens at every university, Morris said.
The NIL, theyve got to get a hold of the NIL.
This is bigger than Warde Manuel.
A transition by design Morris described Manuels continued role as a special adviser as a transition designed to provide continuity while the university searches for new leadership.
Its called a transition, Morris said.
The new president needs to come in and get comfortable.
Its going to be that president thats going to have to hire that athletic director because theyve got to work together.
What Michigan should look for next Looking ahead, Morris said Michigan should seek an athletic director with experience navigating the business side of modern college sports, including name, image and likeness rules.
Its a business now, Morris said.
Youve got to bring in a business-conscious type of person that understands the whole NIL.
The university has not announced a timeline for selecting Manuels successor.