Sherrone Moore, the head football coach of the University of Michigan Wolverines, was fired “with cause” and remained in custody a day after his termination, following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member and an assault incident, according to university and police statements.

The university announced that an internal investigation found credible evidence of Moore engaging in behavior that violated university policies, prompting his immediate dismissal. The school emphasized its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct by staff members.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

On the same day of his firing, Moore, 39, was detained by police in a nearby suburb for an alleged assault. According to Saline Police and Pittsfield Township Police, officers responded to reports of the incident and Moore was subsequently lodged at Washtenaw County Jail while prosecutors reviewed potential charges.

Details regarding the alleged assault or the inappropriate relationship have not been publicly released. Moore could not be reached for comment, and his family has not issued any statements.

Coaching Career and Michigan Tenure

Moore joined the Michigan Wolverines football program in 2018 as a tight-end coach. During the 2023 season, he served as acting head coach for three games while then-head coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended, winning all three matches. Following Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL, Moore was officially promoted to head coach.

In his second year as head coach, Moore was scheduled to lead Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against the University of Texas on 31 December, a major event in the College Football Playoff schedule. The team will now be guided by Biff Poggi, the associate head coach, in Moore’s absence.

Context and Impact

Moore’s dismissal and detention highlight the increasing scrutiny on college sports programs and the conduct of high-profile coaches. His exit comes shortly after Lane Kiffin announced his move from University of Mississippi to LSU with a record-breaking $91 million contract, signaling continued volatility in major college football programs ahead of bowl games and the College Football Playoff.

Michigan’s athletic director, Warde Manuel, reiterated the university’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards and ensuring that staff behavior aligns with institutional policies.

What’s Next for Michigan Football

With Moore’s immediate dismissal, Biff Poggi will take over coaching duties for the Wolverines. The team faces a challenging postseason, including preparation for the Citrus Bowl and other high-stakes games. The program will also likely review its policies and protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.