Michigan Fires Sherrone Moore After Policy Violation as Police Detain Coach Amid Ongoing Investigation
Michigan dismissed head coach Sherrone Moore on Wednesday after a university investigation found credible evidence that he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. The dismissal was followed by Moore being detained by police and held at the Washtenaw County Jail.
Michigan fires head coach Sherrone Moore for violating university policy as police detain him during an active assault investigation with no charges filed.
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Police officers were dispatched earlier Wednesday to the home of a female Michigan football staffer at 4:10 p.m., according to police dispatch records. Officers were also sent to Moore’s residence. He was detained in Saline as part of an alleged assault investigation, according to the Pittsfield Township Police Department. No charges have been filed, and the investigation remains active. Authorities have not released further details.
Athletic director Warde Manuel confirmed Moore’s removal in a statement, citing a violation of university policy. Manuel said a university inquiry produced credible evidence of the inappropriate relationship and noted the school’s zero-tolerance stance on such conduct.
Moore, 39, completed his second season as Michigan’s head coach after joining Jim Harbaugh’s staff in 2018. The Wolverines were 17-8 during his head-coaching tenure, finishing 9-3 this season. Associate head coach Biff Poggi will serve as interim head coach for the Citrus Bowl against Texas on Dec. 31.
A source briefed on the process said an anonymous tip prompted the initial investigation. Early findings did not confirm the allegation, according to the source, but new evidence surfaced within the past 24 hours that led to Moore’s termination.
A team source said Michigan’s staff learned of the decision when Manuel informed the team during a meeting. Moore was in the building Wednesday but did not attend the meeting, the source said.
Moore had been preparing for the 2026 season and recently hired veteran assistant Kerry Coombs to lead special teams. Two days before his firing, Moore spoke with reporters about the program’s upcoming signing class and the bowl matchup against Texas.
Moore’s tenure began after Harbaugh departed for the NFL following Michigan’s 2023 national championship. The Wolverines opened his first season 4-3 but surged late with a 13-10 win over Ohio State in Columbus and the signing of top quarterback prospect Bryce Underwood from the Class of 2025.
This season’s results fell short of the program’s expectations. Michigan lost to Oklahoma in Week 2 and later suffered a significant defeat against USC. Moore’s final game was a 27-9 loss to Ohio State that ended the team’s four-game winning streak in the rivalry.
The Connor Stalions sign-stealing investigation remained a major storyline during his time as head coach. Moore served a two-game suspension this season for deleting text messages exchanged with Stalions and was scheduled to miss the 2026 season opener. The NCAA imposed a fine that could exceed $30 million but did not vacate wins or championships. Moore earned $5.6 million in the second year of the five-year contract he signed after replacing Harbaugh. His contract shielded him from termination over violations that occurred before his hiring as head coach but included clauses allowing dismissal for rule violations and misconduct.
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