Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel will receive a $7.14 million lump sum as part of his separation agreement with the university. The school announced on July 20 that it would buy out the remaining three years of Manuel's contract, with him stepping down at the end of 2026. This agreement follows investigations into former football coach Sherrone Moore and the athletic department.

In addition to the payout, Manuel will retain former athletic director perks like eligibility for Michigan game tickets and golf privileges. The university will also contribute $108,000 to his retirement account and cover $82,000 in attorney fees. Manuel will remain employed until his resignation on December 31, and his record will state he resigned. He is prohibited from serving as an athletic director or senior athletic adviser for any Big Ten school for two years post-resignation, though employment outside the Big Ten is permitted.