Michigan has made headlines after firing coach Sherrone Moore at the end of his second season directing the Wolverines football program. Athletic director Warde Manuel announced on Wednesday that the dismissal was due to an inappropriate relationship between Moore and a staff member.
“Sherrone Moore has been terminated, with cause, effective immediately,” Manuel stated. “Following a university investigation, credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. This conduct violates university policy, and UM enforces a zero tolerance stance on such behavior.”
To temporarily fill the role, associate head coach Biff Poggi has been appointed interim coach effective immediately. Moore had a buyout clause of approximately $14 million, but since he was terminated for cause, Michigan may avoid paying most of it.
The fallout from the allegations has affected Michigan’s donor landscape, with key contributors reportedly cooling on supporting the program, as reported by CBS Sports.
In recent times, as the word spread throughout the college football community regarding the investigation, Michigan staff members were on edge about their future.
“It’s hard to ignore,” one staff member remarked earlier on Wednesday.
Manuel had informed team staffers that parts of Moore’s investigation, which had become widely known within the department, had been ongoing since mid-November, according to sources.
In Moore’s initial season, Michigan finished 8-5, improving to 9-3 this year while remaining in the College Football Playoff discussion until the final week of the regular season. Their playoff aspirations were dashed following a 27-9 loss to rival Ohio State, concluding a four-game winning streak against them.
The Wolverines are set to face Texas in the Citrus Bowl on December 31.
Sherrone Moore’s firing marks a pivotal moment for Michigan
Moore’s journey as Michigan’s head coach began in 2024 after previously serving as the offensive coordinator under Jim Harbaugh. He ascended to leadership amidst scandals, only to see his tenure cut short by another.
During the 2023 season, Moore took the reins for four games while Harbaugh was suspended due to various violations; he managed to guide the team to a perfect 4-0 record, although he was credited with only one official win. He helped the team clinch a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game and subsequently the College Football Playoff, leading to their first national title since 1997.
After playing a crucial role in the national championship run, Moore was well-positioned to secure a permanent head coach role when Harbaugh departed for the NFL post-season. His promotion allowed for continuity within the program while rewarding Moore for his contributions as an assistant since 2018, during which he rose from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator.
This year, Moore faced his own two-game suspension for involvement in the sign-stealing scandal.
Michigan fell short of the College Football Playoff under Moore
Following a national championship, Michigan experienced a decline under Moore, finishing 8-5 in 2024, their lowest record since 2017. The team struggled offensively after losing key players such as quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Blake Corum to the NFL. The Wolverines ranked 113th in scoring at 22.0 points per game, with former walk-on Davis Warren primarily operating as quarterback. Despite these challenges, a formidable defense prevented further decline.
Moore’s first year ended on a high note with a massive upset against Ohio State and a victory against Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The recruitment success of flipping No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood from LSU for an estimated $10 million also brightened the outlook for future seasons.
This strong finish combined with Moore’s addition raised expectations heading into the 2025 season. However, an early loss at Oklahoma, where Underwood struggled, heightened doubts about the program. After dropping to 4-2 following a rough loss to USC, the Wolverines secured five straight victories. Entering the final game against No. 1 Ohio State, they still had CFP hopes alive. The Wolverines led initially but fell to a 27-9 defeat, ultimately marking Moore’s final game as the team’s head coach.
What’s next for Michigan?
The timing of Moore’s dismissal leaves Michigan scrambling during an already chaotic cycle of coaching changes. Many top candidates have already been hired, but the prestige of the Michigan program should still draw attention.
“At this point, they’ve missed out on several top coaches,” a coaching agent noted. “[However], they need to have a plan for who they can attract with this decision right now.”
Manuel must act swiftly in the coaching search as the transfer portal opens on January 2. To retain key players and draw in new talent, it’s crucial for Michigan to establish a coaching staff ahead of this period, particularly to ensure Underwood remains committed to the program.
Michigan coaching candidates: Kalen DeBoer, Marcus Freeman among options after sudden Sherrone Moore firing
Michigan was also planning to hire a quarterbacks coach to collaborate with Moore and the rest of the offensive staff. This gives Michigan an opportunity to attract an offensive-minded head coach. For now, as noted by 247Sports’ Allen Trieu, Michigan must also protect itself from the portal poachers.
Given its stature within college athletics, Michigan possesses the leverage to aim for high-profile candidates. A significant hiring could quickly re-establish the Wolverines as title contenders. Several current head coaches from Power Four programs may be in consideration for the Michigan job, with Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer, who has deep roots in the Midwest, being a plausible option.
Additionally, former LSU coach Brian Kelly may be considered for a program that has underperformed following its national championship win.
