Imago
Dec. 1, 2012 - East Hartford, CT, USA - Saturday December 1, 2012: Connecticut Athletic Director Warde Manuel looks on from the sidelines during the 2nd half of the NCAA, College League, USA football game between Cincinnati and Connecticut at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT. Cincinnati beat Connecticut 34-17 and captured a share of the Big East Championship for 2012. Bill Shettle / Cal Media Copyright: xBillxShettlex
Jul 15, 2026, 11:30 AM CUT
If Michigan is replacing Warde Manuel, these 3 AD replacements make the most sense
Internal investigation and legal troubles continue to surge against the University of Michigan’s athletic director, Warde Manuel. Former Wolverines assistant Chris Partridge renewed his lawsuit against the program recently.
He stated that Manuel was aware of the “inappropriate relationship” between ex-football coach Sherrone Moore and his assistant Paige Shiver and did nothing to protect Shiver.
He also alleged that Manuel covered up evidence of the Connor Stalions’ sign-stealing scandal. In response to the uncertainty clouding his position, he said, “there are no plans for me” earlier this week.
If Michigan does go through a buyout for Manuel, here are three options to replace him with.
Imago
NCAA, College League, USA Football: Michigan HC Sherrone Moore fired DEC 10 December 10, 2025 Michigan administration fired football head coach Sherrone Moore pictured here during a 2025 college football game versus the USC Trojans for cause on December 10, 2025, after an internal investigation found credible evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member according to the University. While the university has not officially named the staff member involved, online speculation has focused on Paige Shivers, an executive assistant in the football program. Los Angeles Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum CA United States of America Copyright: xJosexMarinx
Sean Frazier - Northern Illinois
Sean Frazier is the sitting athletic director of Athletic Director and Vice President at Northern Illinois. He has held the post for the past 13 years and is on the list by GMB Wolverine for his experience and development.
“While some may wonder why an AD from a smaller institution is on this list, it is not always about where they come from, but the experience they bring,” Ericka Brockish wrote on June 15.
Frazier has overseen remarkable growth in the school’s athletic department. The program moved to the Mountain West Conference for football and the Horizon League for most of the Olympic sports.
Northern Illinois won three MAC titles in 2014, 2018, and 2021, and beat Notre Dame back in 2024. He was one of the five finalists for the Athletic Director of the Year under the Sports Business Journal back in 2021-2022.
David Benedict - UConn
Under David Benedict, UConn’s women's and men's basketball teams have seen significant growth in the past decade. He took over the position in 2016 and has held it since.
He was named the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics AD of the Year in 2025. Benedict has facilitated national championships, renovations in the athletics department, and academic success for student-athletes.
“What makes Benedict a great fit for Michigan is his experience not just at UConn, but at Auburn, Minnesota, Virginia Commonwealth, Long Beach State, and Arizona State,” the report said.
Chris Plonsky - Texas
Chris Plonsky is not an active athletic director but is on the list for her decades-long experience. She is the acting Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director who has been in the administrative field since 1976.
She has been associated with Texas for 38 years now. Luring Plonsky away from Texas would be difficult given her deep roots there.
“...she is no stranger to the North, born and raised in Pittsburgh and Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and attended Kent State for her B.S. in Journalism,” Brockish wrote.
What are your thoughts on these options? Tell us in the comments.
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Written by
Akanksha Biradar