Sherrone Moore, the 39-year-old head coach of the University of Michigan Wolverines football team, found himself in legal custody at Washtenaw County Jail on Wednesday. His detention followed shortly after the University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel announced Moore's termination due to evidence of an improper relationship with a university staff member.
The Pittsfield Police apprehended Moore at an apartment complex located on Ann Arbor Saline Road, responding to a call at the 3000 block at approximately 4:10 p.m. that day. The arrest coincided with the same day that Moore was removed from his $6 million annual coaching position, a role he had held with considerable public interest.
Manuel, delivering the news of Moore's dismissal, cited a clear violation of University policy. “This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior,” he stated. The Athletic reported that the university launched its investigation following an anonymous tip. Although initial inquiries did not yield significant evidence, subsequent information led to the coach's firing.
The identity of the staffer involved has not been disclosed by Michigan. Moore, married to his wife Kelli since 2015 and a father of three, has had a turbulent tenure at Michigan. The Wolverines, ranked No. 18 and preparing for an upcoming Citrus Bowl game against No. 13 Texas, now face additional challenges amid this controversy.
Biff Poggi, the associate head coach, has been appointed interim head coach for the bowl game. Moore's record with the team was 16-8, including a 9-3 run this season, despite a loss to Ohio State. His coaching journey at Michigan started in 2018, and he became the offensive coordinator by 2021, even serving as interim head coach during Jim Harbaugh’s 2023 suspension for recruiting violations and a sign-stealing scandal.
Moore's leadership saw the Wolverines win all four games during his interim stint. After Harbaugh left for the Los Angeles Chargers, Moore assumed the full-time head coach position. However, his first season as head coach ended with an 8-5 record, including a win over Ohio State and a victory in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Earlier in the season, Moore faced a two-game suspension for deleting text messages linked to a former analyst at the center of a sign-stealing controversy. His contract extension through 2029, at an annual salary of about $6 million, included a buyout of $13.89 million, one of the lowest among Big Ten coaches. However, the 'for-cause' termination may affect this buyout.
As Michigan now contends with a coaching vacuum during a time of widespread changes across college football, speculation about potential replacements is rampant. Candidates like Kalen DeBoer of Alabama and Jedd Fisch of Washington are among those mentioned.
Social media has been abuzz with reactions to Moore's firing and arrest, with tweets from various accounts providing commentary on the situation. Sully (@pwME_Sully) tweeted an image associating Moore's executive assistant, Paige Shiver, with the affair. Meanwhile, FirstDownMedia (@FirstDownMediaa) suggested shared blame in the situation, highlighting the impact on Moore's family.
