FACT CHECK: Claims About Sherrone Moore’s Firing at Michigan Examined

Michigan’s football program was thrown into turmoil yesterday as the university abruptly fired head coach Sherrone Moore for cause, citing an “inappropriate relationship with a staff member” that violated school policies, according to an official announcement from athletic officials in Ann Arbor.

The decision comes at a critical juncture for the 18th-ranked Wolverines, who are preparing to face No. 14 Texas in the Citrus Bowl on December 31. The university has immediately appointed Biff Poggi as interim head coach to lead the team through bowl preparations while a comprehensive search for a permanent replacement begins.

Athletic Director Warde Manuel addressed the situation in a written statement, confirming that Moore was “terminated, with cause, effective immediately” following what the university described as a thorough internal investigation. According to Manuel, the inquiry produced “credible evidence” of conduct that clearly violated the institution’s policies and standards.

“The university maintains a zero-tolerance approach to such behavior,” Manuel stated, though officials have not publicly identified the staff member involved or provided specific details about the nature, timing, or duration of the relationship.

The 39-year-old Moore, who is married with three young daughters, has not issued a public statement responding to the allegations. Multiple media outlets reported that he did not answer requests for comment following the announcement.

In a dramatic development hours after the firing, local authorities confirmed Moore was detained by Saline Police Department and subsequently transferred to the Pittsfield Township Police Department “for investigation into potential charges.” Law enforcement officials have not specified what charges might be forthcoming or whether they relate directly to the workplace relationship cited by the university.

Moore’s brief tenure as Michigan’s head coach has been marked by both achievement and controversy. After joining Michigan’s staff in 2018 as tight ends coach under Jim Harbaugh, he was promoted through the ranks to offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator before taking the helm when Harbaugh departed for the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers following Michigan’s 2023 national championship.

His teams posted a 17-8 record over nearly two full seasons, including this year’s 9-3 campaign (7-2 in Big Ten play). However, his leadership was repeatedly disrupted by suspensions related to NCAA violations, including a two-game ban this season that Michigan self-imposed as part of sanctions stemming from the program’s sign-stealing scandal.

Industry analysts note that the “for cause” designation in Moore’s termination carries significant financial implications. His contract, signed in 2024, reportedly included a base salary of $5.5 million annually with substantial buyout protection if dismissed without cause. By establishing policy violations as grounds for termination, Michigan likely positions itself to avoid a multi-million dollar buyout obligation that would otherwise be required.

The timing of the dismissal creates additional challenges for a program already facing uncertainty. Michigan must now conduct a coaching search while simultaneously preparing for a high-profile bowl game against a ranked opponent. The situation represents the second major leadership upheaval for the program in less than a year, following Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL.

College football insiders suggest Michigan’s coaching vacancy will immediately become one of the most sought-after positions in the sport, despite the circumstances of Moore’s departure. The Wolverines boast one of college football’s most storied programs, with substantial resources, facilities, and national brand recognition.

For now, Poggi – who previously served as associate head coach under Harbaugh and stepped in during Moore’s earlier suspensions – will guide the program through the immediate transition. His experience includes successful high school coaching stints at powerhouse programs Gilman and St. Frances Academy before joining Michigan’s collegiate staff.

University officials have not announced a timeline for naming a permanent replacement.