Former Michigan Coach Dismissed, Faces Criminal Charges
The University of Michigan dismissed head football coach Sherrone Moore on Wednesday, citing an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. He now faces felony charges of home invasion and stalking.
University Dismissal and Contract Termination
The University of Michigan announced the dismissal of head football coach Sherrone Moore on Wednesday. The university stated the termination was "for cause," citing an inappropriate relationship with a staff member that violated university policy.
Athletic Director Warde Manuel affirmed the university's policies regarding such conduct. Due to the for-cause termination, the university is not obligated to pay out the remaining years of Moore's five-year contract, which had an annual base salary of $5.5 million.
Criminal Charges and Allegations
On Friday, Washtenaw County prosecutors filed three criminal charges against Moore: felony home invasion and stalking. According to court documents, Moore and a female staff member had maintained a relationship for several years. The woman reportedly ended the relationship on Monday and informed the university.
Prosecutors allege that after his dismissal, Moore entered the woman's apartment without permission. He is alleged to have retrieved butter knives and kitchen scissors and made verbal threats to harm himself. The woman reported feeling terrorized by the incident, according to the prosecutor's statement.
Legal Proceedings and Release Conditions
Moore was booked into the Washtenaw County Jail on Wednesday. During a video court appearance, a not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf. He was released after posting a $25,000 bond.
Conditions of his release include:
- No contact with the alleged victim.
- Wearing a GPS tracking device.
- Remaining within the state of Michigan.
- Abstaining from alcohol.
- Undergoing a mental health evaluation.
Defense attorney Joe Simon stated that Moore had already undergone a mental health evaluation following his arrest and would comply with all court orders. The next court hearing is scheduled for January 22.
Coaching Tenure and Program Status
Sherrone Moore, 39, served as Michigan's head football coach for two seasons. His record was 8-5 in his first season and 9-3 in the current season. He was promoted to head coach following the team's 2023 national championship win, succeeding Jim Harbaugh.
During his tenure, Moore faced multiple NCAA-related suspensions:
- A two-game suspension this season due to self-imposed sanctions for violations related to a sign-stealing scandal.
- An additional one-game suspension for the upcoming season opener, imposed by the NCAA.
- A one-game suspension in 2023 for recruiting infractions.
Records indicate Moore deleted a text message thread with former staffer Connor Stalions, who was involved in the sign-stealing operation. These messages were later recovered and provided to the NCAA.
The 18th-ranked Wolverines (9-3) are scheduled to play No. 14 Texas in the Citrus Bowl on December 31. Biff Poggi, who served as interim coach during a prior suspension, will act as interim head coach for the bowl game. The university has begun a search for a new permanent head coach.