Michigan Parts Ways with Head Football Coach
The University of Michigan has announced the termination of its head football coach, Sherrone Moore, effective immediately. This decision comes after a thorough internal review revealed what university officials described as "credible evidence" of an improper relationship between Coach Moore and a member of his staff. The university underscored its unwavering commitment to institutional policies, stating that such conduct is a clear violation of established guidelines and will not be tolerated.
Athletic Director Warde Manuel confirmed the firing on Wednesday, emphasizing the university's zero-tolerance stance on such behavior. The immediate consequence sees Biff Poggi stepping in as the interim coach for the Wolverines. This change in leadership arrives just weeks before Michigan is set to compete against Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on December 31st, presenting a significant disruption to the team's preparations.
Moore’s departure concludes a brief and tumultuous tenure as the Wolverines' head coach. His overall record stands at 17 wins and 8 losses, with his final game being a 27-9 defeat to Ohio State, capping off a 9-3 season. Having completed only two years of a five-year agreement, the "for cause" nature of his firing carries substantial financial implications. The university intends to avoid paying the remaining $12.3 million owed under his contract, a direct result of the policy violation.
Moore had taken the top coaching role following Jim Harbaugh's move to the NFL after Michigan's national championship season in 2023. His time as head coach was marred by several off-field incidents even before this latest development. He faced suspensions earlier this season during Week 3 and Week 4 due to his involvement in the illegal advanced scouting controversy surrounding Connor Stalions. Additionally, he had been slated for another one-game suspension at the start of the 2026 season and served a previous suspension in 2023 for recruiting rule infractions.
Before his promotion, Moore was a highly regarded offensive line coach and offensive coordinator, playing a key role in Michigan's success, including their national title run. He was recognized for his play-calling abilities and was even a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2023. However, his rise to the top coaching position proved short-lived amidst a series of disciplinary issues and this final, career-ending policy breach.
This unexpected coaching vacancy places Michigan in a challenging situation, particularly as the college football landscape has experienced unprecedented volatility in coaching changes this season. With many top coaching prospects already secured through new hires or contract extensions, the university faces a complex search to find a suitable replacement capable of leading their program forward following this significant setback.
