Michigan Fires Head Coach Sherrone Moore for Cause as Police Begin Assault Investigation: What We Know So Far
The University of Michigan football program entered turmoil this week as head coach Sherrone Moore was fired with cause, then detained by police hours later as part of a separate assault investigation. The rapid sequence of events marks one of the most dramatic coaching collapses in recent college football history and places the Wolverines in a difficult position weeks before their postseason bowl appearance.
The university and multiple law-enforcement agencies have confirmed key parts of the developing situation. However, many details — including the nature of the internal investigation, specifics of the alleged assault, and whether formal charges will be filed — remain unknown. This report summarizes everything currently verified by Michigan officials and police statements, offering a clear, neutral account of a fast-moving and sensitive incident.
University Fires Moore After Internal Investigation
The University of Michigan announced Wednesday that it had terminated Moore “with cause” following an internal review. According to the official statement from athletic director Warde Manuel, investigators found “credible evidence” that Moore had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, a violation of university conduct policy.
Manuel’s statement emphasized:
“This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior.”
The university did not release the staff member’s identity or provide timeline details about the relationship. Institutions typically withhold such information to maintain privacy and protect internal investigative processes. Michigan also did not specify whether its findings could trigger additional employment or legal consequences.
The firing immediately voided Moore’s remaining contractual protections. According to public salary databases, Moore earned approximately $6.1 million in 2025 and would have been owed nearly $14 million in buyout payments. Because the university terminated him for cause, those obligations are eliminated under contract terms.
Moore Detained Hours Later in Separate Assault Investigation
In a striking development later that same evening, police confirmed that Moore was detained during an alleged assault investigation unrelated to the internal university case.
According to official statements:
- Saline Police initially located and detained Moore.
- He was transferred to Pittsfield Township Police, where investigators were reviewing potential charges.
- He was later lodged at the Washtenaw County Jail, pending prosecutorial review.
Police stated that the incident “does not appear to be random,” but emphasized that there was no ongoing threat to the community. Authorities have not released details of the alleged assault, citing the need to preserve the integrity of the investigation.
As of this report, Moore has not been formally charged with a crime, and no arrest documents have been publicly released.
A Stunning Fall After a Rapid Rise
Sherrone Moore’s career trajectory at Michigan had been celebrated in recent years. After joining the program in 2018 as a tight ends coach, he quickly rose through the ranks:
- Offensive coordinator during Michigan’s 2023 national championship season
- Interim head coach during portions of the 2023 sign-stealing scandal
- Full-time head coach beginning in 2024
- The first Black full-time head coach in program history
During two full seasons, he compiled an 18–8 record, including two victories over rival Ohio State. Michigan finished 9–3 in the 2025 regular season and is scheduled to play Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on December 31.
However, his tenure was not without controversy. Moore served a two-game suspension in 2025 for his involvement in the NCAA’s investigation of the illegal advanced scouting scheme connected to former staffer Connor Stalions. Still, he retained broad support within portions of the program and fan base — until this week’s revelations.
Biff Poggi Named Interim Coach
With the regular season complete and a bowl game looming, Michigan appointed associate head coach Biff Poggi as interim head coach. Poggi is familiar with emergency leadership duties, having guided the Wolverines earlier in the season during Moore’s NCAA-related suspension.
Poggi previously served as:
- Head coach at Charlotte
- A longtime high-school coaching figure
- A trusted assistant under Jim Harbaugh and Moore
His leadership now becomes crucial as Michigan attempts to stabilize a shaken program. The staff has yet to confirm whether Poggi will coach the bowl game or remain a candidate for the permanent position.
Michigan Launches Immediate National Coaching Search
The firing places Michigan into the national college football coaching market at a challenging moment. Many major programs have already hired replacements this cycle, and the early signing period for recruits is rapidly approaching.
Among coaches publicly mentioned by analysts — not by Michigan — as realistic candidates:
- Jedd Fisch, Washington
- Manny Diaz, Duke
- Kalen DeBoer, Alabama (considered unlikely but discussed)
- Jesse Minter, Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator
- Jay Harbaugh, Seattle Seahawks assistant
None of these names have been confirmed by university officials, and Michigan has not publicly identified preferred targets.
Warde Manuel stated the search would begin immediately, though the program has not established a public timeline for the hire.
What “Fired for Cause” Means for Michigan
The university’s decision to designate the termination as “for cause” carries important legal and contractual implications:
Michigan Avoids Millions in Payments
By citing policy violations, Michigan is not obligated to pay:
- Remaining salary
- Buyout money
- Certain bonuses
These clauses are standard in major college coaching contracts, triggered by conduct deemed harmful to the university.
Potential NCAA Implications
While the firing was based on internal policy, not NCAA rules, the NCAA could theoretically review relevant information if it intersects with existing oversight concerns. So far, there is no indication of NCAA involvement.
Freedom to Hire Immediately
“Cause” terminations do not require procedural delays, enabling Michigan to move quickly toward hiring a permanent replacement.
Legal and Procedural Uncertainties Ahead
The unanswered questions now center on the police investigation:
- What exactly is Moore accused of in the alleged assault?
- Who is believed to be involved?
- Will charges be filed?
- How soon will prosecutors review the case?
Police have indicated they cannot release additional details because the case is active. More information could emerge after the prosecutor reviews the investigative report.
Team and Fan Reaction
The news shocked players, alumni, and college football observers nationwide. Moore’s sudden firing — followed almost immediately by police detainment — created what analysts call “one of the most destabilizing 24-hour periods in modern Michigan football.”
Players have not issued public statements, though internal sources described the mood as “stunned.” Recruits and families have reportedly contacted the program seeking clarity about leadership and direction.
Administrators, meanwhile, appear focused on damage control. The athletic department is preparing communication plans for recruits, donors, and stakeholders as speculation circulates rapidly.
Michigan’s Recent History of Controversies
Moore’s dismissal adds to a turbulent several years for Michigan football:
- The sign-stealing scandal that led to Jim Harbaugh’s suspension
- Recruiting violations resulting in NCAA penalties
- Multiple staff shakeups
- The transition from Harbaugh to Moore, now disrupted
Observers note that the university must now address not only the coaching vacancy but also perception challenges that could affect recruiting, donor confidence, and institutional reputation.
What Happens Next
Several processes will unfold over the coming weeks:
1. Police Review and Possible Charges
The Washtenaw County Prosecutor will determine whether the information provided by Pittsfield Township Police warrants criminal charges.
2. Bowl Preparation Under Poggi
Michigan must prepare to face Texas at the Citrus Bowl with an interim staff.
3. Intensive Coaching Search
The Wolverines will likely move quickly to secure a long-term head coach, especially before national signing periods.
4. Continued Internal Review
Universities often conduct follow-up assessments after major personnel dismissals, especially involving policy violations.
Conclusion
Sherrone Moore’s abrupt firing and subsequent detainment mark one of the most dramatic and consequential developments in recent college football history. With limited public details available, both legal and administrative processes are still unfolding.
Michigan now faces a pivotal moment: stabilizing its football program after a sudden leadership crisis, securing a new head coach, and navigating the unresolved legal questions surrounding Moore.
As official updates emerge from law enforcement and the university, more clarity will come regarding the allegations and their long-term implications for all involved.