“Fire Him Now”: Furious Michigan Fans Rip Apart Athletic Director’s Bleak Statement After Jim Harbaugh’s Move to the LA Chargers

In the end, Michigan had to give up. Since the rumors and reports of Jim Harbaugh making his much-anticipated shift to the Chargers gained momentum, Michigan’s athletic director Warde Manuel has been working on a contract extension for him. However, as the Chargers and Harbaugh shook their hands on the $65.2 million contract, behind-the-scenes are surfacing, with ‘professional blunders’ garnering immense scrutiny.

Following the heightening rage of fans around the world, Manuel penned an official farewell note to Jim Harbaugh. The statement acknowledged the work Harbaugh has put behind the team and wished him the best for his future. The words only fueled the fire. Fans were hysterical, demanding Michigan to “Fire him now!”

The reason was pretty straightforward. Michigan officials did not meet his demands for providing him with an immunity pin amidst the sign-stealing allegations, which ultimately led to him being suspended for the final three games of the season. Unheard things left feelings hurt. James Yoder called Warde Manuel a ‘villain’ and asked him to resign. This is when the ugly truth was exposed.

Per sources, Manuel said yes to the demand in the 11th hour on Wednesday, till when the case was too far too gone. This has led fans to believe that the delay in negotiations was intentional and that the Michigan AD is the one to blame. And fans made sure to put no filter on their rage as they thrashed Manuel over social media.

Fans are extremely angry over Warde Manuel

Keeping aside the fabulous 2023 season Michigan had under Jim Harbaugh, even before the season began, Harbaugh was 25-3 with Michigan. Given the majestic record as a head coach, fans are feigning exasperation as, being an AD, Warde Manuel did not ‘lock down’ Harbaugh well in advance for long term.

Warde Manuel has been ‘working’ on a contract extension since Harbaugh announced his interest in the Chargers. However, the extensive amount of time it took for him to decide on a contract, within which the Chargers not only interviewed Harbaugh twice but also offered him a contract, has just added to the disappointment.

Another fan pointed out that the AD has not only damaged the football program but also other varsity programs Michigan has ever had. In 2016, Warde inherited Erik Bakitch, John Beilein, and Jim Harbaugh, some of the best program head coaches Michigan ever had. In 2024, MU has none of them.

READ ALSO: 3 Villains of Michigan Blamed for Jim Harbaugh’s Departure to Chargers Due to Professional Blunder

In the end, this fumble topped Michigan State’s past fumble of letting ‘one of the best college football coaches ever’ walk away.

Amidst the ever-rising resentment, fans are seemingly not sparring Manuel anytime soon.

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