Michigan football was thrown into chaos on Wednesday after a stunning sequence of events that saw head coach Sherrone Moore fired for cause and later detained by police as part of an active investigation.
Moore Fired for Cause Following Internal Investigation
The day began with Michigan announcing Moore’s termination after a university-led investigation found “credible evidence” that he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, a violation of university policy.
Officials did not identify the staff member, outline the nature of the conduct, or provide a timeline of the alleged relationship. Beyond confirming a policy breach, the university has declined to release further details.
Moore, who was earning approximately $5.5 million per year, had just completed a 9–3 season and was less than two years removed from succeeding Jim Harbaugh. Because his dismissal was issued for cause, Michigan may not owe the remaining value of his contract.
Following the announcement, associate head coach Biff Poggi was elevated to interim head coach as the program prepares for the postseason under sudden new leadership.
Hours Later, Moore Detained by Police
The situation escalated even further Wednesday afternoon when Saline Police located and detained Moore, later transferring custody to the Pittsfield Township Police Department. Authorities confirmed Moore is the subject of an ongoing investigation into potential charges, though they have not identified the nature of the allegations.
As of now:
- No formal charges have been announced
- No connection has been publicly established between the university’s internal findings and the police investigation
- Officials have released no additional details regarding what prompted the detainment
Despite widespread rumors circulating online, none of the claims beyond these confirmed facts have been substantiated.
A Shocking Day in Ann Arbor
In a matter of hours, Michigan went from preparing for its bowl matchup to navigating one of the most tumultuous days in program history. With Moore’s firing and an ongoing criminal investigation unfolding simultaneously, the Wolverines now face significant questions about leadership, stability, and what comes next.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Police Investigating Sherrone Moore Following Firing
According to Austin Meek and Sam Jane of The Athletic, the City of Saline Police Department confirmed that former Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore was turned over to authorities “for investigation into potential charges,” a report also corroborated by Pete Thamel and Dan Wetzel of ESPN.
It remains unclear what charges, if any, Moore could be facing. Police were initially dispatched to the listed address of a female Michigan football staff member, and additional officers were sent to Moore’s listed residence. The investigation is ongoing, and no formal charges have been announced.