Michigan Fires Football Coach Sherrone Moore, The School’s First Ever Black Head Coach, Over Alleged Inappropriate Relationship With A Staff Member
Written by b87fm on 12/11/2025
Less than two years removed from hoisting a national championship trophy, Michigan football is back in turmoil — and back in the market for a new head coach.
Sherrone Moore, the former offensive coordinator who stepped into the top job after Jim Harbaugh’s departure, was fired Wednesday (Dec. 10) in a stunning fall from grace. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to break the news.
According to a statement from athletic director Warde Manuel, Moore’s termination was “with cause, effective immediately,” following a university investigation that uncovered “credible evidence” of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member — a clear violation of school policy.
Statement from University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel:
“U-M head football coach Sherrone Moore has been terminated, with cause, effective immediately. Following a University investigation, credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 10, 2025
Michigan wasted no time naming former staffer and longtime program ally Biff Poggi as interim coach ahead of the Dec. 31 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas.
But the situation spiraled further Wednesday afternoon when Moore was detained by Saline, Michigan police on an undisclosed matter, then handed over to Pittsfield Township authorities for additional investigation. Officials have not yet revealed details regarding potential charges.
Moore, 39, made history as Michigan’s first Black head coach when he succeeded Harbaugh following the 2023 national title run. He posted a 17–8 record across two seasons, including a 9–3 mark this year. His final game was a 27–9 loss to Ohio State — Michigan’s first defeat to the Buckeyes since 2019.
His tenure, however, was riddled with controversy from the start. Moore was suspended twice this season due to fallout from the Connor Stalions advanced-scouting scandal, which cost Michigan a staggering $20 million in penalties. He also served a one-game suspension in 2023 tied to recruiting violations and was already slated to sit one game in 2026.
By firing Moore for cause, Michigan avoids paying out the remaining $12.3 million on his five-year contract.
A program that should’ve been celebrating its post-championship momentum instead finds itself navigating yet another leadership crisis — and with the bowl game looming, the clock is already ticking on the Wolverines’ next chapter.
