University of Michigan Fires Coach Sherrone Moore After Scandal, Police Detain Him

Sherrone Moore was fired as head football coach at the University of Michigan. The university announced his dismissal on Wednesday. It followed an internal investigation into an inappropriate relationship.

Hours later, police in Saline, Michigan, detained Moore. He was transferred to another department for a separate investigation. The stunning sequence of events throws the storied programme into disarray.

Investigation and Immediate Fallout

The university’s investigation began after an anonymous tip. According to the New York Times, credible evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member was found. This violated clear university policy.

Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel informed the team of the decision. Moore was reportedly in the building but did not attend the meeting. His termination was effective immediately and “for cause.”

Shortly after, the Saline Police Department located and detained Moore. In a statement to ESPN, police said they turned him over to Pittsfield Township police. The reason was for an investigation into potential criminal charges.

Neither police department detailed the potential charges. The Detroit News reported Moore was involved in an incident requiring police attention. This development added a serious legal dimension to the day’s events.

Programme in Turmoil Ahead of Bowl Game

Associate head coach Biff Poggi will now lead the team as interim coach. His first task is preparing for the Citrus Bowl on December 31. The team faces a formidable Texas squad.

Moore had just been preparing for that game and the 2026 season days prior. He had recently hired assistant Kerry Coombs. The sudden void in leadership creates massive instability.

Moore posted a 17-8 record over two seasons. His tenure included a huge win over Ohio State in 2025. But this season ended with a disappointing 9-3 mark and a loss to those same Buckeyes.

His time was also shadowed by the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal. Moore served a suspension this year for deleting related texts. More NCAA penalties, potentially exceeding $30 million, still loom for Michigan.

The firing and detention of Sherrone Moore marks a precipitous fall for a coach once seen as the program’s future. Michigan must now navigate an ongoing NCAA scandal and a police investigation without its leader.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Why was Sherrone Moore really fired?

The University of Michigan fired him after finding credible evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. This violated university policy, allowing for immediate termination “for cause.”

What are the police investigating?

Police have not specified the potential charges. Saline police detained Moore and handed him to Pittsfield Township police for further investigation related to an unspecified incident.

Who is coaching Michigan in the Citrus Bowl?

Associate head coach Biff Poggi will serve as the interim head coach. He will lead the Wolverines against Texas on December 31st.

Was this related to the sign-stealing scandal?

No. The firing resulted from a separate internal investigation into an inappropriate relationship. The older sign-stealing case involved different NCAA violations and suspensions.

How did the team react to the news?

Athletic Director Warde Manuel informed the team in a meeting moments before the public announcement. Reports indicate Moore was not present for that meeting.

What was Moore’s record as head coach?

Sherrone Moore had a 17-8 overall record. He went 9-3 this season, with key losses to Oklahoma, USC, and Ohio State.