The University of Michigan has terminated head football coach Sherrone Moore effective immediately after an internal investigation uncovered credible evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, the institution announced Wednesday. The dismissal represents a severe breach of university policy and underscores the ongoing turbulence within college sports’ high-stakes environment.
In a stunning parallel development, Moore was detained by police in Pittsfield Township on the same day following allegations of assault. According to law enforcement statements obtained by ESPN, officers responded to reports of an incident at approximately 16:10 EST. The neighboring Saline Police Department assisted in locating and detaining the 39-year-old coach, who was subsequently transferred to Pittsfield authorities for potential charges.
Moore’s termination arrives during a critical period for college football, coinciding with both the College Football Playoff preparations and the recent seismic coaching shift that saw Lane Kiffin depart the University of Mississippi for a $91 million contract at Louisiana State University. Moore was slated to lead the Michigan Wolverines in their anticipated December 31 rivalry game against the University of Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
Athletic Director Warde Manuel emphasized the university’s zero-tolerance stance toward policy violations in an official statement provided to the BBC. The university has appointed associate head coach Biff Poggi as Moore’s immediate replacement.
Currently detained at a Washtenaw County jail pending prosecutor review, Moore remains unavailable for comment. Specific details regarding both the inappropriate relationship and assault allegations have not been disclosed publicly. Family members have not responded to media inquiries regarding the situation.
Moore’s coaching trajectory at Michigan began in 2018 as tight-end coach. He temporarily assumed head coaching responsibilities during three games in the 2023 season while then-coach Jim Harbaugh served a suspension, achieving victories in all three contests before securing the permanent head coach position following Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL.