Michigan Fires Coach Sherrone Moore After Investigation Reveals Affair and Criminal Charges

Michigan dismissed former head coach Sherrone Moore on Wednesday after an investigation uncovered an inappropriate relationship with a staffer and subsequent criminal charges.

Investigation Details

The university hired a law firm to probe the affair, and the firm has announced it will extend its inquiry throughout the athletic department. Two individuals familiar with the matter, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, confirmed the firm began working on campus Monday after the staffer failed to report to work. Her attorney met with the firm on Tuesday, and she provided evidence of the relationship on Wednesday, the same day Athletic Director Warde Manuel fired Moore without human resources or campus police present.

During the season, Manuel told the school’s board that he had asked both Moore and the woman if they were in a relationship; both denied it. Manuel also claimed to have reviewed hundreds of text messages and emails between them on school‑issued cellphones and computers and found no inappropriate content. However, a social media influencer outside the state had previously contacted the university to express concerns about Moore’s behavior.

Legal Proceedings

Moore, 39, was charged with three crimes after prosecutors said on Friday he “barged his way” into the apartment of the woman he had been having an affair with and threatened to kill himself. The charges include felony home invasion and stalking. Prosecutor Kati Rezmierski noted the affair had lasted for a number of years before the woman ended the relationship on Monday. Moore repeatedly called and texted the woman, but she refused to respond.

Shortly after losing his job, Moore stormed into the woman’s apartment, went to a kitchen drawer, grabbed several butter knives and a pair of kitchen scissors, and began to threaten his own life. Prosecutor Rezmierski quoted Moore as saying, “I’m going to kill myself. I’m going to make you watch. My blood is on your hands. You’ve ruined my life.”

Moore entered a plea of not guilty and was released from jail after posting a $25,000 bond. In court, he acknowledged he must have no contact with the woman and agreed to other conditions. Defense attorney Joe Simon said Moore would “absolutely comply” with the judge’s order for an additional evaluation. He must wear a GPS tracking device, stay in Michigan, and abstain from alcohol. The next hearing is set for January 22.

Impact on Football Program

Moore signed a five‑year contract with a base annual salary of $5.5 million last year. Because he was fired for cause, the university will not have to buy out the remaining years of his contract. No. 18 Michigan is scheduled to play No. 14 Texas on December 31 in the Citrus Bowl. Biff Poggi, who filled in for Moore when he was suspended earlier this season over a Jim Harbaugh‑era sign‑stealing scandal, will serve as interim coach.

The school is actively searching for a new head coach and hopes to make a hire this month to retain recruits and give players confidence that the program is stable, aiming to keep them from entering the transfer portal next month.

Key Takeaways

• Michigan fired coach Sherrone Moore after an investigation revealed an affair and criminal charges.
• A law firm hired by the university will expand its probe across the athletic department.
• Moore faces felony home invasion, stalking, and other charges; he entered a not‑guilty plea and is awaiting a January 22 hearing.

Michigan’s decision to dismiss Moore and broaden the investigation underscores the university’s commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant athletic environment.

Closing

The university’s swift action and the ongoing legal process highlight the seriousness with which Michigan is treating the allegations. As the football program prepares for the upcoming season and a potential new head coach, the focus remains on restoring confidence among players, recruits, and supporters.