Michigan Monday: Wealthy Warde

After a $12M investigation, Michigan is removing Warde in the most gentle way possible.   They are giving him a 4 month vacation, allowing him to retire/quit, giving him $7M as a walking away bonus, plus retiree health benefits, with tickets and golf benefits.  He also can't be an AD at a Big Ten school for the next 2 years.  I don't think they have to worry about that! 

Michigan spending nearly $20M to remove Warde from his position, is a crazy example of cost mismanagement.  I really hope that Open AI IPO goes well.   I also hope this closes the book on the roller coaster ride this department has had since he took over.     I still can't believe he said he planned to stay at Michigan long term and then days later signed his separation agreement.  

Write the check and let's move on.  

• Speaking of moving on, Sherrone's house is for sale.  The quicker he can get out of Ann Arbor the better.  Not sure where he can go, due to his legal issues, but best to be out of Washtenaw County as least. 

• Sounds like the concerts went well this weekend, I now wonder if they should of installed the new turf after this weekend, instead of prior.  

• When I heard the Duke - Michigan game was getting moved to a baseball stadium, I thought that could be a disaster for fans buying tickets.  Glad they killed the game, if it couldn't be played in a real basketball arena. 

Michigan Tuesday: Warde's World

Today's post is not about what Warde did or didn't do. It's about trying to understand a mindset from a leader of one of the most important Athletic Departments in the country. 

Warde is a Michigan Man, he played in Ann Arbor, was educated in Ann Arbor, and has worked as the AD for the last 10 years.  In his mind, that gives him some type of pass for being a good leader.  In very few situations leaders don't continue in their role when there are systemic problems like this department has had.   Yes, I know academia doesn't work like a Fortune 500 company, but it should because it acts like one everyday. 

Warde went on the radio a week ago, saying everything in the news was BS, when he 100% knew it wasn't.  He might not have reviewed the 20,000 paged report, there is no way he didn't know its conclusion and what a likely departure would mean. Even the response he released to the media was arrogant and continued to miss the point.

Nobody is arguing that Warde didn't do some good things in role.  Having 2 National Championship is a historic run but while the tree was producing award winning fruit it was dying inside. 

Warde strikes me as a leader that can't read the room and doesn't understand his weakness or his blind spots.  With his education, he really should understand that.  He has a BA in General Studies, a Masters in Social Work, and an MBA from Ross.  If you have an FBI investigation on your watch, that is a problem.  When the organization funds a $12M investigation instead of firing you and saving $12M, it's only a matter of time before you need a new role.  

Now he is a lame duck AD and even though he is going to do all these good things over the next 4 months, he is done.  It would be another waste of money to implement all these changes for just a new person to come in a change it a few short months.  It's time to move the page and hire someone that understands how to lead, has a business leadership background, and understands the 2026 athletics landscape.  

Today, I announce my candidacy for AD 2027! 😀 Just kidding.  Maybe we just hire Open AI and have them create us a AI AD.  😃

• ESPN is laying off a ton of talent this week.  Already gone are Ryan Clark, Karl Ravech, and NFL Reporter Tom Pelissero. Both Ryan and Karl were on the air yesterday. 
  

Wolverine Wednesday: Warde's World

Warde decided to go on the radio to do what he always does. Which is deflect and try to prove to everyone that he has done a tremendous job as AD the last 10 years.  It would be interesting project for someone with a ton of time to do an Excel worksheet with one column of Warde's successes and the other side with his high profile issues he has had over those 10 years.   

I think the failure side would greatly outweigh the successes.  Yes, 2 National Championships are a big deal but he had some outrangouss issues under is watch.  

Let's summarize what he said on the radio:

• He is proud of what he accomplished over 10 years
• The reports of his demise are not true and leaked to the press by people who don't want him in this role.  The social media reports of his firing is "nonsense"
• He deflected the question on active buyout conversations 
• He hasn't seen the investigation results or been briefed on what they included 
• There is going to be advertising in the Big House moving forward 

The best thing for Warde and Michigan is to figure out a buyout and move on.  He is not a leader and is either not understanding the situation or flat out lying to all Michigan fans.  Either way its horrifically wrong.   His firing or leaving is way overdue and the longer he stays in the role the worse its going to be the Michigan Athletics Department.   It's time for the Regents and Michigan's President to step up and do the right thing.  

The WSJ is reporting is that Warde told Sherrone not to travel with his assistant in 2024.  We know the relationship went back to 2022 and that there were plenty of "rumors.  Warde went ahead anyway and hired a guy with no head coaching experience and rumor mill of problems as Michigan's next head coach coming off a National Championship.  Worst possible move and he should lose this job just over that. 

• Luckily there is World Cup on today and the British Open on deck, or this would be the worst day in sports.  You can always tell the worst day in sports every year because the ESPY's are on.

Michigan Tuesday: LJ Heads Out of Town

Well, Mike Boynton almost did it, he almost saved the entire roster but LJ Cason the future star of the program decided to take his injury year and future years to play somewhere else.  The strong rumor is Miami where they have a new young head coach and LJ can be closer to home.  

This is a loss for the program but not so much for Boyton who is on a 2 year prove it contract.  LJ was expected to miss all of next season rehabbing from his ACL injury.  Recent reports (before Dusty left) maybe had him joining the team midyear.  There was even a video late last week of LJ working out with the team.   

My guess is Miami dropped a bag of cash on LJ to miss most of the year and to continue his playing career.  An offer Michigan probably didn't match due to him spending most of the year in the trainers room.   LJ was also very loyal to Dusty and maybe also needed a fresh start after he left.  

• Warde is on the radio with Sam Webb this morning to discuss his future as Michigan's AD.  Here are a few quotes from a guy that is completely missing the point:  “Don’t believe everything out there. … I think I’ve been fired by social media three time. It’s nonsense. It affects my staff and my family." ---- “people who don’t want me here” are leaking info to the media that his job is in jeopardy. "People with zero knowledge of what’s going on are talking about things are happening. I wish we got to the point in society where people put their names to things." On him being in buyout conversations: "I've had several conversations over the last 6 or 7 months about the future and things that have happened, different opportunities and different ways it could go." He says he's not certain about what the future holds for him but feels "confident" in the work he's done at Michigan over his tenure as Athletic Director.

As we have spoken before, there are all types of leaders. The ones that don't understand the environment or the issues is the worst type. They think they have done a great job as the organization is burning around them. I guess we will see what the Regents do, but this is unbelievable take by a guy that just had a $11M investigation done on his watch. I wouldn't hire this guy to lead a lemonade stand.

• With all the news lately, I forgot to include an important commitment from last weekend (thanks to BHB reader Jon!). We welcome Lincoln Mageo to the 2027 class! Lincoln is a 6'4 280 pound interior OL from Oceanside CA. He had offers from the likes of AZ, Utah, Ohio State, Texas, CAL, USC, UCLA and many more. This is a great win for the new Michigan staff and a player many programs wanted late in the 2027 cycle!

Michigan Monday: Warde of The State

I really don't understand how Universities are run.  They should be run like a Fortune 500 business, but they aren't  With the new environment in college athletics, the Athletics Department at a minimum needs to.  Warde has been a complete failure in his role and never should've been in it long term.  Sure, on the surface it looked like a decent hire, former Michigan Football Player and UConn AD.  I think we found out quickly that UConn is not U of M. 

Some of you may have read the top paragraph and disagree with the "complete failure" narrative.  Michigan did win 2 National Championships on Warde's watch.   Your organization can be successful despite of you or because of you.  Michigan Football and Basketball were run by great coaches that built a great roster.  Sure Warde approved some things, but I believe his input was minimal on what Dusty and Jim was doing. 

Warde has been failing up for many years, way too many years.  As John U Bacon said today, he has had reliable sources tell him many times that Warde was out, just for the environment to change on a dime and he stayed.  So much so Michigan had to hire a law firm to do a $11M investigation into the athletics department.  If this was a Fortune 500 company, I can tell you two things, they know for a fact that Law Firms love billable hours and you don't need to spend $11M to fire someone.  Big waste of time and money by the Regents and U of M.  

Breaking news last night was that the Regents are meeting on Thursday, and are expected to buy out Warde and release the investigation findings.  This is the investigation that was supposed to be completed in January.  It's now July.  What is taking so long, are you waiting for another coach to head to the professional level?

Warde did do some good things while at Michigan.  He hired Dusty and then lost Dusty after winning the National Title. Also the hiring of Coach Whitt seems to be a solid one.  He lost Coach B and he lost Harbaugh all to the NBA or NFL.  He also hired a football coach, with no head coaching experience and a boat load of rumors of bad behavior.   It will be his last straw in a mountain of last straws.  I wonder where we would be as a program if Warde had picked Jesse Minter?  I wonder what Jesse is doing these days?  I'm sure he didn't replace a Harbaugh in the NFL.  

Warde in an interview earlier this year, stated he felt betrayed by Sherrone.  I guess Sherrone must of hired himself, didn't do any research on hiring himself, ignored all the terrible rumors about himself, and gave himself one of biggest jobs in all of sports without any experience.   Warde, Michigan fans have felt betrayed by YOU!

My question to the regents is, why did it take so long?  There is a long track record of terrible things happening on his watch.  NCAA Violations, FBI investigations, Netflix documentaries, the list goes on and on like a bad novel.  Did you let the two banners fool you?  Why did it take a $11M investigation?

Michigan doesn't need anymore bad press and the firing of Warde won't amount to much.   The investigation results will.  We knew it was only a matter of time before someone would file a Freedom of Information Act for the results, Sherrone's accuser's legal team was the first to do so.  

Iconically, Warde found himself in the same situation that he was in just in a few short years ago with the football team, when Dusty unexpectedly jumped to the NBA.  Mike Boynton seems like a solid person and coach.  He does have head coaching experience, even though it was a rough ride at OK State.   The only situation Mike would find himself as the head coach of Michigan with a brand new 2 year contract, is the situation he finds himself today.  That is not a reassuring fact to the Michigan Fan base.  What is reassuring is that Mike has been able to return the entire roster and will take a run at a trip to Detroit next season.  His two year deal is really a make it or break it deal next season.   If he pulls a .500 year, Michigan will be looking to replace him quickly.  

Update: Reached for comment Monday, Warde Manuel told @YahooSports, “The president and I have had several great conversations over the past couple of days. There are no plans for me not to continue to be the athletic director for the near future.”

So now what?

• I expect the investigation report is ugly and will be bad for U of M.  There is a reason they have been sitting on this thing for months, I expect a rough one.   (I don't have any inside info, just telling you what my gut says).

• Warde and his trade marked quarter zip and sports coat will move on and probably out of Ann Arbor.  Maybe the CFP Committee wants to bring him back on?  What a tone deaf organization that is. 

• Michigan will immediately start a search for a new Athletics Department leader.  With such a strong business school, it would seem there should be many qualified candidates who have experience running an organization at a high-level.   Don't look at current AD's look at business leaders (Yes, I'm aware that Bill Martin and David Brandon didn't work out, but James Hackett was probably the best interim leader the department has had since Don Canham)

Finally, after this week we can put this all behind us.  The waters will be rough this week but this Michigan Ship is unsinkable! 

Michigan Friday: Shifting Through The Lies and Next Steps

As I mentioned yesterday, there are people to trust on this story and there are people that I don't.   Nobody from the national media will have the in's and out's of Schembechler Hall.  That doesn't mean they can't break news, what it means is they have no idea the backstories, etc.   I have seen a narrative nationally that Sherrone is in jail because this is some type of sexual assault case (we are still waiting on charges, but we do not believe this as anything to do with non-consensual sex).

Sherrone is expected in court today to face charges on whatever happened on Wednesday night after he was fired.  From what I have gathered: The investigation between the staffer and Sherrone has been on and off since the summer.  Both parties have always denied it.  Which didn't give U of M much to go on.  That changed this week when the staffer came forward and Sherrone was immediately fired.  

The Regents last night agreed to allow Warde to continue in his role.  My guess is the only reason they did that, was they don't have time to replace the AD and find a new head coach in this small window to save the roster, recruits, and the portal opening.  Even the President is an interim President.  Warde has absolutely failed at his job and has been the leader of Michigan athletics for some of the biggest scandals in the history of the department in the revenue generating sports.  To be fair, Michigan has a pretty good Basketball Program and Hockey program right now, which I'm sure helped Warde's case to continue. 

Now what?

I assume Sherrone's legal issues will get clearer today as he heads to court.  I feel for him and his family, but these issues are now his own.   I hope he is able to get his mind right, closes out his legal issues, moves away from Ann Arbor, and gets his life in order. 

If Warde doesn't have a candidate lined up, he again has failed at his job.  I don't ever like to compare Michigan to MSU, but they had their next coach locked down before they fired Jonathan Smith.   If this has been going on since the summer or longer and Warde hasn't been doing due diligence on the next Michigan head coach.  He is one of the worst leaders I have ever seen in any form of business. 

In business, you always know who is next in any role that reports to you.  If Warde is starting from scratch on this coaching search, we really have the wrong person running Michigan Athletics.   The Regents know this and I assume this is a test for Warde to see if he can pull another "Dusty".  

Timing again is the issue: 

Kalen DeBoer is in the playoffs 

Jesse Minter is in the NFL playoff race 

John Harbaugh is the head coach of the Ravens 

Jedd Fisch is preparing his team to play tomorrow in the soon to be the defunct LA Bowl.

I will throw you a name that is another hot candidate in the NFL.  Jeff Hafley, the Packers DC.  Jeff was the former DC of Ohio State, took the BC Head Coaching job and left on his own to become the Packers DC.  If you really want to make OSU fans nervous, shoot the money cannon at him.   It's obvious that timing is another issue here.

I doubt the Ravens are firing John, would love Coach Mac but he is not leaving Seattle.  You have to get to Jesse or Jeff before the NFL openings do and still they might want the NFL working hours over the College grind.   So that leaves Kalen and/or Jedd.   Bama plays OK in a week.  We can wait a week.

Warde find your Dusty magic once again and you better have been prepared for this situation, as it just didn't materialize out of the thin Michigan winter air this week. 

Michigan Monday: Wake Up Warde, I've Got Something to Say to You

It's late in the season and you should be back at school. 

When you lead an organization and an area of your business is going through a crisis, do you know what you really want the leader of that group (that is in crisis) to do?  Not be focused on doing another job for another organization.  

Warde,

I know you struggle to understand why Michigan fans continue to call for your job, when you believe your doing an excellent job.  Warde you seem to struggle with the business side of Michigan Football.  To me you seem to be more of an academic administrator then a business executive.  I know the Domino's guy was complete disaster, but the Ford CEO did a pretty good job and got the program back on track. 

You were really late to NIL, you completely botched the Harbaugh situation, you completely botched the hockey coach situation, probably botched the Coach B move to the NBA, and Dusty looks to be one of best moves you've made.  That is not a very good winning percentage.  

You and Sherrone have completely screwed up this football season, with some of the best defensive players to have ever walked in the Schembechler Hall.  Let me list out the failures, just so you are aware of mistakes you've made. 

• No proactive planning for the 2025 season
• Not finding any QB in the portal
• Not brining in WR's 
• Sherrone has failed with his specialty of  offensive line development 
• Hiring of a washed up NFL DC that had no other options 
• Not brining in a former College Head Coach that could mentor Sherrone 
• Not leading with NIL until now 

These bad decisions have cost Michigan a decent football season coming off a National Championship. Embarrassing loses to Illinois and Washington is just awful.   You have failed at your job this season and there is no other way to say it.  

So now what?  FSU is going through a worse situation.  At least they tried to bring in a QB in the portal, it just didn't work for them.  They just fired their OC and DC yesterday.   Warde, you better be prepared to do the same.  You also better think long and hard if this job is too big for Sherrone.   Right now it looks like it is.   For me, its Bryce Underwood with a new OC and DC next season if Sherrone is to continue as head coach.  

Warde you are paid to make the important decisions.  You let the best college football coach leave for the NFL because you were nickeling and diming him.  You should be fired just for that.   What do you think the pressure is going to look like when OSU lights up the scoreboard on the Wolverines in a few weeks?  You better have a plan and it better not be, staying the course.   If that is your plan, Santa will have a different plan for you.   

Michigan Tuesday: Santa Delivers the Bag!

Many pieces from the back-to-back Big Ten Champions team are back in Ann Arbor for another run next season.  3 Heisman candidates on offense, a very strong and deep offensive line, 2 WR's with a ton of experience, and a young TE that could be the next Jake Butt.   The defense which did lose a few pieces did replace some pass rush in the portal and now needs to make sure they can sure up the secondary.   

One major piece was left, the head ball coach and former Michigan QB.  When Michigan twitter was on fire last week and many wanted Warde to be fired, I wrote an article that you can't blame Warde for a decision that doesn't lie with him.  That there was a new Santa and in town and the decision and dollars to keep Jimmy would be on his desk and his desk alone.  He stepped in and got the job done and Jim Harbaugh will remain Michigan's head coach.  

Which leads to a few questions:

Did Warde get cut off at the knees?

Was there little to no interest from the NFL?

Warde did lose some power when Santa was hired and clearly is invested in athletics.  Will Santa be this involved in hiring the Tennis coach?  Probably not, but a decision to pay and keep Harbaugh happy is a President's decision that affects the University of Michigan in so many ways.  He did the right thing in getting involved.  It's a business no brainer.  I wouldn't be surprised if Warde found a new AD role sometime in the next year or so.  

Jimmy called the CEO of the Broncos on Monday to let him know he is staying at Michigan.  That the Bronco's remained interested but no contract terms were ever discussed as they go through the hiring process. 

Now this is over, it's time to focus on recruiting.  

#1 - Close out the 2023 class as strongly as possible in a couple of weeks.  

#2 - Get Jadyn Davis commitment at QB for 2024 

Also, Harbaugh has to sign a contract extension at some point. Which needs to have a silly buyout number. 

Remember, it's never boring around here.

• The last piece in the puzzle, Kris Jenkins confirmed his intention to play another year in Ann Arbor.  

• Did we see the GOAT throw his last pass last night?  They say, "father time is undefeated" but Tom has beaten him longer than any of us could ever imagined.  I hope he continues to play but understands if he doesn't. 

• A few funny things from the Harbaugh social media blast.  Santa jokingly refers to "Unless Oakland is still in play" - which happened way before his time, so he did his research.  Also, Jimmy quotes a saying that has never been listed on the internet, ever: "Don't try to out-happy, happy"

• I think Santa might be the Michigan President fans have always wanted. 

• CJ Stroud did enter the NFL Draft

• Blake Corum was awarded the first ever Collegiate Service Award from Jesse Jackson in Detroit last night.  Reports are he is no longer on crutches and walking smoothly.  Blake is a Michigan Man through and through. 

Memo To Warde

Memorandum

To: Warde Manuel, Michigan AD
From: Bob, Big House Blog

Topic: Important Week

Warde, as you know this is the most important week of your Michigan Athletic Director career.  You have made a few good decisions in hiring coaches of other sports, but you also have a number of questionable decisions in football and now basketball.   The contract with ND for the home and home was clearly 100% in favor of ND and you paid Arkansas millions not to play them.    I also thought I made it clear that playing Army wasn't a good idea this year and that you should consider looking at other options.   You did not.

Let's not focus on those bad decision, lets put those in the past and focus on the current situation.  You knew Coach Beilein was interviewing with the Cavs and you still decided to go on the Africa trip with the football team.  Not a great look.   You also didn't have a buyout clause in Coach B's contract, allowing him to walk for free.   That right there is a fire-able offense. The basketball program in a few weeks has lost 3 starters to the NBA's second round,  it's head coach to one of the worst teams in the NBA, and its top rated recruit.   Things are not good right now.

It's been over a week since Coach B left and now your getting around to interviewing candidates.   You "reportedly" have interviewed both assistant coaches and Ed Cooley from Providence.   I know Ed is your buddy and friends with the Search Firm you hired, but that is just a lazy choice.   There was even a report from a Providence guy that you have already offered the job to Ed, which better not be true.   He is one of the worst offensive coaches in college basketball and not ready for the Michigan job.  He is a Tommy Amaker or a Brady Hoke type of hire.   He is 1-5 in the NCAA Tournament and his coaching background is at Fairfield and Providence.

Today is a big day.  You are going to interview a highly regarded Michigan Man Juwan Howard of the Miami Heat.  I know he doesn't have any head coaching experience but he has learned from Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley.   He is inline for an NBA head coaching job and supported by many of the former high profile Wolverines in basketball and football.   I see this as the only decision.    Maybe you even could keep Luke and Saddi on staff.

In closing Warde, its very important "to read the room" on making this decision.   Cooley is not going to be a popular hire and Juwan will be.   We know there is some risk in hiring Juwan, like him learning on the job and so on.  His ceiling or upside is greater then any of the other guys you have been talking to.   Cooley is at his ceiling and we know what type of coach he is, one that should stay at Providence.  This week is going to define your entire career at Michigan.   Don't forget why you have your job, because your a Michigan man, go hire another one.

Michigan Monday: Warde Manuel Looking To Fund Raise For A New Weight Room

I have never been in Alabama's weight room, but it seems very impressive from photos like these:

gamedayr.com

Tidetv.com

They paid over $9M in 2013 for this updated weight room and work out facility.

Warde and Jimmy are meeting with donors and looking at ways to raise money for a new Wolverine Weight Room that hasn't been updated since 2008 when RR was head coach.   The plan would be to expand Schembechler Hall to accommodate this type of Weight Room.   This is something Michigan has to do to keep up with competition from the SEC and schools like Oregon (see photo below).

USA Today

 They are also entertaining partnering with a famous U of M QB of the past, Tom Brady.  (Freep link)

Harbaugh said after February’s "Signing of the Stars" event that he had broached the idea with Tom Brady about expanding Brady’s TB12 sports therapy center, opened two years ago, to Ann Arbor.
Currently, it is in Foxborough, Mass., where Brady’s day job is located with the New England Patriots.
“Tom Brady is very important to us and, if he has some ideas conceptually that will be able to help us and move us forward and help our student-athletes, then I’m definitely going to have that conversation with him,” Manuel said. “And we have that conversation with many others to find out if there’s a way to provide to our students the things that they need to be successful. So we’ll continue to do that.”

Here are some renderings that have been out there for awhile:



 





 

Here is what it looks like today:

rogersathletic.com