A former University of Michigan football staffer has made serious allegations against ex-head coach Sherrone Moore, describing a relationship that she says crossed professional boundaries and left her without support from leadership inside the athletic department.
Paige Shiver, who previously worked within the program, told ABC’s Good Morning America that her relationship with Moore became an “open secret” among staff, and that no one stepped in to address it.
“He controlled everything that was going on in my life,” Shiver said. “And they didn’t do anything about it.”
Shiver said the relationship began in 2022 while she was an intern and Moore was serving as offensive coordinator under Jim Harbaugh. When Moore took over as head coach in 2024, Shiver was promoted to an executive assistant role.
She described a power imbalance that affected her ability to make decisions freely. According to Shiver, members of the coaching staff often told her to console Moore during moments of stress, including during games. She said she complied out of fear of losing her job.
“No one cared about my feelings. They wanted to use me to help him so that they could get through the season,” she said. “He and other coaches had control over my career, especially him.”
Shiver also alleged patterns of manipulation, including threats of self-harm from Moore when she attempted to end the relationship.
The situation escalated in December. Shiver told police that Moore came to her apartment on Dec. 10 after she ended the relationship days earlier. She said he forced his way inside and grabbed a butter knife, creating a situation where she feared for her safety.
“All of a sudden I hear footsteps and they’re getting closer and louder,” Shiver said. “He barges in and he’s standing this close to me.”
Police later took Moore into custody after his wife called authorities, reporting he posed a threat to himself. Body camera footage shows Moore acknowledged the relationship but denied breaking into the apartment or threatening Shiver.
Text messages shared with ABC News show Moore sent messages including “I hate you” and “My blood is on your hands” after the incident.
Moore later pleaded no contest to charges of trespassing and malicious use of a telecommunications device tied to the incident. More serious charges were dropped as part of the agreement. He received 18 months of probation and is barred from contacting Shiver.
The University of Michigan terminated Moore after learning of the undisclosed workplace relationship with a direct report, stating his actions violated university policy.
“The University of Michigan terminated Sherrone Moore promptly upon discovering his undisclosed workplace relationship with a direct report,” the university said in a statement. “His conduct violated university policy, and we expect more from our leaders.”
Shiver said the university had prior knowledge of the relationship and failed to act. She pointed to a broader culture within the athletic department that prioritized winning and avoiding controversy over staff welfare.
“They knew the things that he was doing to me and no one did anything about it,” she said. “They cared more about winning football games and not having another scandal.”
Michigan previously hired an outside law firm, Jenner and Block, to review the culture and practices within the athletic department following multiple controversies, including an NCAA sign-stealing investigation tied to the Harbaugh era.
Moore had already served a two-game suspension connected to that investigation after allegations surfaced that he deleted a series of text messages tied to staffer Connor Stalions.
Shiver’s employment contract was not renewed following the season. She said she did not initially report the relationship because she did not trust the internal process.
“I don’t think it reflects what he did to me,” she said of Moore’s punishment. “He took no accountability.”
The situation adds another layer of scrutiny to Michigan’s football program and raises questions about oversight, workplace conduct, and accountability at one of the nation’s most prominent athletic departments.