Michigan Football Fires Head Coach Sherrone Moore For Cause
Michigan football has terminated the employment of head coach Sherrone Moore for cause, the university announced Wednesday, December 10. The decision follows an internal investigation that uncovered evidence of inappropriate conduct, throwing the program into turmoil just as the coaching carousel settles.
Michigan Fires Football Coach Amidst Scandal
The University of Michigan’s athletic director, Warde Manuel, released a statement detailing the reason for the dismissal. “Following a University investigation, credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member,” Manuel wrote. “This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior.”
Biff Poggi Named Interim Coach
In the wake of Moore’s firing, assistant coach Biff Poggi will assume the role of interim head coach. Poggi previously served as interim head coach during Michigan’s games against Central Michigan and Nebraska earlier this season. The timing of this change is particularly challenging, as most Power Four coaching positions are already filled and many prominent coaches have recently signed contract extensions.
Moore’s tenure as head coach spanned two seasons, following the departure of Jim Harbaugh to the Los Angeles Chargers after leading the Wolverines to a national championship. During his time at the helm, Moore compiled an 18-8 record, culminating in a 9-3 finish in 2025 and a No. 18 ranking in the College Football Playoff poll.
Sign-Stealing Scandal and Previous Suspensions
The dismissal comes amidst lingering fallout from the NCAA investigation into the program’s alleged sign-stealing scandal. Moore was previously unavailable to coach during two games in 2025 due to a suspension related to the investigation. He had also served a self-imposed one-game suspension in 2023 for recruiting violations unrelated to the sign-stealing allegations.
Moore faced accusations of deleting text messages with former Michigan analyst Connor Stalions, who is believed to have orchestrated the sign-stealing operation. This resulted in an additional three-game suspension – two games served in 2025 and another slated for 2026.
Moore’s Coaching Background
The 39-year-old coach began his Michigan career in 2018 as the tight ends coach. He was subsequently promoted to co-offensive coordinator from 2021-2022 and then to offensive coordinator in 2023, where he called the plays for the Wolverines’ undefeated national championship team. Prior to his time at Michigan, Moore held assistant coaching positions at Louisville, Central Michigan, and Oklahoma, where he played as an offensive lineman.
Citrus Bowl and Police Detention
Michigan is scheduled to face Texas in the Citrus Bowl on December 31 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Following the announcement of Moore’s dismissal, reports emerged indicating that he had been detained by police. According to a report from the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, the reason for the detention remains unclear.
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The situation at Michigan remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the university navigates this challenging period.