ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – The law firm retained by the University of Michigan to examine former football coach Sherrone Moore’s relationship with a staffer is continuing its work and is prepared to widen the scope of its investigation to include other areas of the athletic department, according to people familiar with the matter. The university dismissed Moore on Wednesday after determining that he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Moore, who is married and has three daughters, had previously denied the relationship when questioned internally. Athletic director Warde Manuel had earlier informed the school’s board that he reviewed hundreds of text messages and emails exchanged between Moore and the woman on university-issued devices and initially found no evidence of misconduct, prompting the university to later bring in outside investigators for a deeper review.
That expanded inquiry accelerated this week after the woman failed to report to work on Monday, her attorney met with investigators the following day, and she provided evidence of the relationship on Wednesday, the same day Moore was terminated. Moore, 39, now faces multiple criminal charges, including felony home invasion and stalking, stemming from an incident prosecutors say occurred shortly after the relationship ended. Authorities allege Moore forced his way into the woman’s apartment, armed himself with kitchen utensils, and threatened to kill himself while making statements blaming her for ruining his life. He has pleaded not guilty, was released on a $25,000 bond, and is subject to strict conditions, including no contact with the woman, GPS monitoring, remaining in Michigan, abstaining from alcohol, and undergoing an additional evaluation. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 22.
According to prosecutors, the relationship lasted for several years before the woman ended it earlier this week, after which Moore allegedly bombarded her with calls and messages. The case also drew attention after an out-of-state social media influencer contacted the university prior to the internal review to raise concerns about Moore’s behavior. Moore’s dismissal allows the university to void the remainder of his five-year contract, which carried a base salary of $5.5 million annually, because he was fired for cause.
On the field, the fallout has forced Michigan to make swift leadership adjustments. Biff Poggi, who previously filled in for Moore during an earlier suspension tied to a sign-stealing scandal from the Jim Harbaugh era, has been named interim head coach. The No. 18 Wolverines are scheduled to face No. 14 Texas in the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31, while the athletic department works to hire a permanent coach later this month in an effort to stabilize the program, reassure current players, and prevent further losses through the transfer portal.
