Michigan Football Coach Sherrone Moore Arrested, Fired Amidst New Scandal
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Former University of Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore was taken into custody Thursday as authorities investigate an alleged assault, just hours after he was terminated for violating university policy regarding an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. The unfolding situation marks the latest chapter in a tumultuous period for the Wolverines, college football’s winningest program, already reeling from a sign-stealing scandal and NCAA sanctions.
Authorities have released limited details surrounding Moore’s arrest, confirming he has been held at the Washtenaw County Jail since Wednesday night and remains under investigation. Pittsfield Township police initially responded to a reported assault, taking an individual into custody without initially naming the suspect, but later clarified the suspect is scheduled for arraignment on Friday.
University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel stated that Moore’s conduct “constitutes a clear violation of university policy,” leading to his dismissal. The university has not publicly disclosed specifics of the alleged relationship. Moore, who is married and has three young daughters, did not respond to requests for comment from the Associated Press.
Moore’s firing concludes a brief, two-year tenure as head coach, which followed the team’s national championship victory in January 2024. However, that success was overshadowed by the ongoing NCAA investigation into alleged improper scouting practices. He led the 18th-ranked Wolverines to a 9-3 record this season, building on an 8-5 record in his debut year. Moore had signed a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually, but the university is not obligated to pay a buyout due to the circumstances of his termination.
The timing of Moore’s departure leaves Michigan searching for its third head coach in four years. This follows a coaching carousel that recently saw Lane Kiffin leave Mississippi for LSU. Moore was elevated to the head coaching position after Jim Harbaugh returned to the NFL to lead the Los Angeles Chargers.
Michigan is slated to compete against No. 14 Texas in the Citrus Bowl on December 31. Biff Poggi, who previously served as interim coach during Moore’s suspension related to the Harbaugh-era sign-stealing scandal, will again assume the role. Moore was initially suspended for two games as part of self-imposed NCAA sanctions, a penalty later extended by the NCAA to include a third game.
The sign-stealing scandal involved the recovery of a 52-message text thread Moore had previously deleted with Connor Stalions, a staffer central to the operation. Just years prior, Moore was considered Harbaugh’s most promising assistant.
Moore’s journey to coaching prominence began as a graduate assistant at Louisville before moving to Central Michigan, where he caught the attention of Harbaugh. He joined the Michigan staff in 2018 as tight ends coach, later ascending to offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator. His contributions were instrumental in the Wolverines’ resurgence, culminating in their first national title in 26 years. He also served as interim coach for four games during the 2023 championship season while Harbaugh faced suspensions for potential NCAA violations, and served a one-game suspension related to a recruiting infractions case.
The situation echoes a similar scandal at Michigan State, where coach Mel Tucker was fired earlier in 2023 following allegations of inappropriate conduct. In 2012, Arkansas dismissed coach Bobby Petrino after a scandal involving a motorcycle accident, an affair, and dishonesty with superiors.
Associated Press Writer Ed White contributed to this report.
