sherrone Moore Fired by Michigan, Detained in Alleged Assault Inquiry
Table of Contents
Michigan football was rocked by a series of stunning developments Wednesday, as head coach Sherrone Moore was terminated for cause and later detained by police amid an alleged assault investigation. Moore, 39, remains in custody at the Washtenaw County Jail as of Thursday, following allegations of an “inappropriate relationship with a staff member.”
The University of Michigan acted swiftly following an internal investigation. Athletic Director Warde Manuel released a statement confirming the dismissal, stating, “Credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior.”
Investigation and Arrest details
According to police dispatch records, authorities were initially called to the residence of a female Michigan football staffer at 4:10 p.m. on Wednesday. Officers were subsequently dispatched to Moore’s location, ultimately detaining him in Saline, Michigan, a short distance from Ann Arbor. The Pittsfield Township Police Department confirmed the detention is part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged assault.
Law enforcement officials and the Washtenaw county prosecutor’s office have declined to provide further details, citing the active nature of the inquiry. Moore is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on Friday.
A Sudden End to a Tumultuous Tenure
Moore’s firing marks an abrupt end to his two-year leadership of the Wolverines, a period that followed the departure of Jim Harbaugh to the NFL after securing the 2023 national championship. He had been with the program as an assistant coach from 2018 to 2023, compiling a 17-8 record, including a 9-3 finish this season.
The dismissal came as a surprise to many within the program. A team source revealed that Manuel informed the team of Moore’s firing during a meeting Wednesday, though Moore was present in the building but did not attend. Just days prior, Moore had been actively building his coaching staff for the upcoming season, recently hiring veteran assistant Kerry Coombs to lead the special teams unit. He also spoke publicly on Monday, discussing the program’s 2026 recruiting class and the upcoming Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas, stating, “I think we’ve got a really good foundation of where we need to be, but we’ve got a lot to work on.”
From Promise to Disappointment
Moore’s tenure began with a mixed bag of results. His first season saw the Wolverines finish 4-3, matching their total losses from the previous three seasons combined. However, the team rallied to upset Ohio State and secure the commitment of top quarterback prospect Bryce Underwood. This year, the team struggled to meet expectations, suffering losses to Oklahoma and USC. Moore’s final game at the helm was a 27-9 defeat to Ohio State, ending a four-game winning streak in the rivalry.
Lingering Shadows of Controversy
Moore’s time as head coach was also overshadowed by the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal. He served a two-game suspension this season for deleting text messages exchanged with Stalions and faced a potential suspension for the 2026 season opener. While the NCAA did not strip Michigan of its championship, the school was assessed a ample fine, perhaps exceeding $30 million.
Moore’s five-year contract, worth $5.6 million annually, included a clause protecting him from termination due to NCAA violations predating his appointment as head coach. Though, the contract explicitly outlined grounds for dismissal “for cause,” including rule violations and misconduct.
Associate head coach biff Poggi will serve as the interim head coach for Michigan’s Citrus Bowl appearance against Texas on December 31. The university has not yet announced plans for a permanent replacement.
