The University of Michigan fired head football coach Sherrone Moore on Wednesday. The university cited an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Moore’s termination took effect immediately. Athletic Director Warde Manuel confirmed the decision in an official statement. The firing marked a dramatic conclusion to Moore’s brief tenure as Wolverines coach.
The university investigation discovered credible evidence against Moore. Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, according to the findings. This conduct violated university policy directly. Michigan maintains zero tolerance for such behaviour. The university emphasised its commitment to institutional standards through swift action.
The University of Michigan fired Sherrone Moore
Moore’s Brief Leadership Timeline
Moore assumed the head coaching position in January 2024. He replaced Jim Harbaugh after Harbaugh departed for the Los Angeles Chargers. Moore previously served as Michigan’s offensive coordinator. He had spent six years on Harbaugh’s assistant coaching staff. Moore became the first Black head coach in Michigan football programme history. His appointment represented a significant milestone for the university.
The coach completed two seasons with the Wolverines. His overall record stood at 18 wins and 8 losses. The 2025 season saw Michigan finish with a 9-3 regular season record. The team compiled a 7-2 conference record within the Big Ten. Michigan ranked 18th in the College Football Playoff standings. The Wolverines were scheduled to face Texas in the Citrus Bowl on 31 December.
Sherrone Moore’s Leadership Timeline
Sign-Stealing Scandal and Prior Sanctions
Moore faced NCAA violations earlier in his tenure. The violations stemmed from a sign-stealing scandal. Moore received a two-game suspension during the 2025 season. The NCAA imposed an additional suspension for the 2026 opener. Moore was set to miss the Western Michigan game next season. These sanctions reflected broader compliance issues within the programme. The football staff had engaged in unauthorised sideline communications. NCAA investigators examined the extent of institutional violations.
Police Detention Following Termination
Moore’s troubles escalated dramatically after his firing announcement. Police detained Moore in Saline, Michigan, on Wednesday evening. Saline lies approximately 10 miles south of Ann Arbor. The Saline Police Department assisted in locating and detaining Moore. Officers then transferred Moore to the Pittsfield Township Police Department. Pittsfield Township authorities initiated an investigation into potential criminal charges.
Sherrone Moore is currently under police custody
The police statement confirmed the detention and transfer process. Neither agency revealed specific details about allegations. Moore faced investigation into potential charges at the township level. Law enforcement had not released formal booking records publicly. Authorities did not specify the nature of investigations underway. The timing coincided directly with his university termination announcement.
Interim Coach Takes Over Programme
Biff Poggi assumed the interim head coaching position immediately. Poggi previously served as interim coach during the 2023 season. He led Michigan to victories over Penn State, Maryland, and Ohio State. Poggi guided the team to the College Football Playoff championship that year. He possessed familiarity with the programme and its roster. His appointment provided continuity during the coaching transition period.
🚨🚨Sherrone Moore ARRESTED and in PROTECTIVE CUSTODY after allegedly threatening to kill himself to his wife, breaking and entering, holding a knife to the throat of the staffer Paige Shiver whom he got pregnant, forcing her to get an abortion, stalking her, and doubling her… pic.twitter.com/eDKpvhq6AG
— Evil Bo Nix (@BoNix1O) December 11, 2025
University’s Policy Statement
Michigan reiterated its institutional standards through official statements. The university stated that Moore’s conduct violated clear policy guidelines. Institutional leadership emphasised zero tolerance regarding such misconduct. The investigation process remained internal to the university system. Michigan’s athletics department prioritised compliance and accountability. The swift termination demonstrated institutional resolve against misconduct allegations.
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Implications for Michigan Football Programme
The Wolverines faced significant challenges heading into the Citrus Bowl. Michigan must prepare for Texas without their head coach. The programme required immediate coaching leadership and stability. Interim coach Poggi now carried responsibility for bowl preparation. Player morale and focus became central concerns during transition. The sudden coaching change created uncertainty within the roster.
Michigan’s national ranking could suffer from the disruption. The programme confronted questions regarding institutional culture and oversight. Recruiting efforts would become significantly more difficult. Potential coaching candidates faced questions about programme stability. The university’s athletic department required immediate credibility restoration.
Broader Programme Context
Moore’s departure highlighted persistent challenges at Michigan. The sign-stealing scandal had damaged programme reputation previously. NCAA sanctions indicated systematic compliance failures. The football programme faced questions regarding institutional governance. Michigan’s athletic administration required stronger oversight mechanisms. The coaching position suddenly became open mid-season. The university entered an unexpected coaching search during the bowl season. Michigan would navigate these institutional challenges in the weeks ahead.
