Sherrone Moore, the recently fired Michigan football coach, remained in custody Thursday as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding his arrest, which occurred just hours after the university terminated his employment over what it described as an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
Details of Moore’s arrest have not been released. He has been held since Wednesday night at the Washtenaw County Jail. Pittsfield Township police initially said officers responded to an alleged assault and took a person into custody without naming anyone. The department later confirmed that the suspect, Moore, is scheduled for arraignment on Friday.
Moore, 39, was dismissed by Michigan after the school verified evidence of a relationship with a staff member, which Athletic Director Warde Manuel called a “clear violation of university policy.” Moore, who is married with three daughters, has not publicly commented. His firing ends a two-year tenure that included a national championship in January 2024, an 8-5 debut season, and a 9-3 record this year amid NCAA investigations into a sign-stealing scandal.
Moore had been promoted to head coach after serving as offensive coordinator and previously stepping in as interim coach during suspensions involving former coach Jim Harbaugh. Under Moore, Michigan maintained strong performance but faced sanctions that included a multi-game suspension for NCAA violations.
He signed a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually, but the university will not pay the remaining salary due to termination for cause. Biff Poggi, who previously filled in for Moore during suspensions, will serve as interim coach as Michigan prepares for its Dec. 31 Citrus Bowl matchup against No. 14 Texas.
Moore’s career began in Derby, Kansas, playing football in high school before moving to Butler County Community College and then Oklahoma as an offensive lineman under Bob Stoops. His coaching trajectory included positions at Louisville, Central Michigan, and eventually Michigan, where he became a rising star under Harbaugh’s mentorship.
Moore’s firing marks Michigan’s third head coaching change in four years and comes amid a broader national conversation around coaching scandals, including past cases involving Michigan State and Arkansas.