Former Michigan Head Football Coach Sherrone Moore was fired by the university on Wednesday, followed by his detainment in the Washtenaw County Jail hours later. The university cited an "inappropriate relationship with a staff member" as the reason for his termination.
University Action and Policy Violation
The University of Michigan stated that Moore's conduct constituted "a clear violation of university policy." Athletic Director Warde Manuel affirmed a "zero tolerance" policy for such behavior. Due to the "for cause" termination, the university will not be required to pay out the remaining years of Moore's five-year contract, which had an annual base salary of $5.5 million.
Police Investigation and Detainment
Washtenaw County Jail records confirmed the booking of 39-year-old Moore. The Pittsfield Township Police Department issued a statement acknowledging an investigation into an alleged assault in Pittsfield Township, leading to a person's custody. The police indicated the incident was not random, and there was no ongoing threat to public safety. The individual was jailed awaiting review of charges by prosecutors, with further details withheld to maintain investigation integrity.
Coaching Record and Prior Sanctions
Moore served as Michigan's head football coach for two years, achieving a record of 8-5 in his debut season and 9-3 in the current year. He was promoted to the head coach position following the team's 2023 national championship win, succeeding Jim Harbaugh, who left for the NFL.
During his tenure, Moore faced multiple suspensions:
- Two games in the current year due to self-imposed sanctions for NCAA violations related to a sign-stealing scandal.
- An additional third game added by the NCAA for the upcoming season opener.
- A one-game suspension in 2023 for recruiting infractions.
Records indicate Moore deleted a 52-message text thread on his personal phone with former staffer Connor Stalions, who was involved in the team's sign-stealing operation. These texts were subsequently recovered and shared with the NCAA.
Team Status
The 18th-ranked Wolverines (9-3, 7-2 Big Ten) are scheduled to play No. 14 Texas in the Citrus Bowl on December 31. Biff Poggi will serve as the interim coach for the game. The program is now seeking its third head coach in four years.