Michigan Coach Sherrone Moore Detained in Police Custody Following Dismissal
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Sherrone Moore, the former head coach of the University of Michigan's football team, is currently in police custody after being dismissed from his position. Moore was detained by the police and is being held at the Washtenaw County Jail, following an investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
The incident began when police were called to the address of a female Michigan football staffer on Wednesday afternoon. They also sent officers to Moore's listed address, detaining him in Saline, a few miles outside Ann Arbor, at 4:10 p.m. as part of an assault investigation. No formal charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing.
The university's athletic director, Warde Manuel, issued a statement confirming the findings of the investigation. He stated that credible evidence was found indicating that Coach Moore had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, which constitutes a clear violation of University policy. The university maintains a zero-tolerance policy for such behavior.
Moore, 39, had just completed his second season as head coach, following his role as an assistant coach on Jim Harbaugh's staff from 2018-2023. During his tenure, the Wolverines achieved a 17-8 record, including a 9-3 finish this season. Associate head coach Biff Poggi will take over as interim head coach for the Citrus Bowl against Texas on December 31.
An anonymous tip prompted the investigation, according to a source briefed on the decision. Initially, the investigation did not yield evidence of the relationship, but additional evidence came to light in the last 24 hours leading to Moore's dismissal. Most of the Michigan staff learned of the coach's firing when Manuel informed them during a meeting, as Moore was not present.
Moore's dismissal came with little warning. He was in the process of assembling his staff for the next season and had recently hired veteran assistant Kerry Coombs to run Michigan's special teams. Just two days before his dismissal, Moore met with reporters to discuss the 2026 signing class and the bowl matchup against Texas.
Moore's tenure was marked by both highs and lows. He took over for Harbaugh after Michigan's 2023 national championship, with the program struggling to maintain its footing after Harbaugh's departure for the NFL. Michigan started 4-3 in Moore's first season, matching its losses from the previous three years combined. However, the season ended on a high note with an upset victory over Ohio State and the signing of quarterback Bryce Underwood, the top prospect in the Class of 2025.
This season, the team fell short of expectations. They lost to Oklahoma in Week 2 and were blown out by USC in mid-October. Moore's final game was a 27-9 loss to the Buckeyes, ending Michigan's four-game winning streak in the rivalry. The Connor Stalions sign-stealing investigation also cast a shadow over Moore's tenure, leading to a two-game suspension and a potential suspension for the 2026 season opener.
Despite the suspension, the NCAA did not strip Michigan of any victories or its national championship but imposed a substantial fine that could exceed $30 million. Moore was earning $5.6 million in the second year of his five-year contract, which included a provision protecting him from termination for NCAA violations that occurred before his hiring as head coach. However, the contract also outlined several reasons for termination, including rule violations and misconduct.
