Warde Manuel has navigated a decade as Michigan's athletic director, marked by significant achievements and considerable controversy. During his tenure, Michigan has celebrated multiple national championships, including in football and men's basketball. However, his time has also been overshadowed by various incidents, from NCAA violations to the departure of football coach Sherrone Moore.

Manuel, who played for Bo Schembechler from 1986-1989, has faced challenges including the arrest of football player Grant Perry in August 2017, and a controversial, quickly reversed hiring of Rhonda Faehn in January 2019. He also oversaw the hiring of Juwan Howard in May 2019 after John Beilein's departure, and Howard's subsequent February 2022 suspension.

Further complications arose with the investigation and firing of hockey coach Mel Pearson in August 2022, an NCAA letter to Michigan regarding Jim Harbaugh in January 2023, and the subsequent investigation and firing of Matt Weiss. The tenure was also marked by the resignation of Glenn Schembechler and the October 2023 sign-stealing controversy involving Connor Stalions, which led to Harbaugh's suspension.