On Wednesday, December 10th, former Michigan Wolverines head football coach Sherrone Moore was detained by the police, hours after the University of Michigan announced his termination for allegedly engaging in an "inappropriate relationship." The Saline, Michigan Police Department released a statement to ESPN, stating, "The City of Saline Police Department assisted in locating and detaining former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore. Mr. Moore was turned over to the Pittsfield Township Police Department for investigation into potential charges."
The Pittsfield Police Department confirmed to FOX 2 that officers "responded to the above location at the above date and time for the purposes of investigating an alleged assault," adding that a suspect was taken into custody and that the investigation is ongoing. The statement further noted, "This incident does not appear to be random in nature, and there appears to be no ongoing threat to the community. The suspect was lodged at the Washtenaw County Jail pending review of charges by the Washtenaw County Prosecutor. At this time, the investigation is ongoing. Given the nature of the allegations, the need to maintain the integrity of the investigation, and its current status at this time, we are prohibited from releasing additional details."
Moore, 39, was fired "with cause," as announced by University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel. After a university investigation, "credible evidence" was discovered that Moore "engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member," Manuel, 57, said. "This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior," Manuel's statement continued. Biff Poggi, an associate coach, will serve as interim head coach "effective immediately," Manuel said.
Moore joined Michigan as a tight ends coach in 2018 and served as acting head coach during Jim Harbaugh's suspensions during the 2023 season. Moore was the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach during Michigan's victory over the Washington Huskies in the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship in January 2024. After Harbaugh left Michigan to return to the NFL and coach the Los Angeles Chargers, Moore was named head coach. In 2025, Michigan finished with a 9-3 record. During the season, Moore was suspended for the Week 3 and 4 games for his links to an illegal advanced scouting scheme, according to ESPN. He was also set to miss the 2026 season opener for a one-game suspension. The team was picked to play in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on December 31st against the University of Texas Longhorns.
