Michigan fire coach Sherrone Moore over ‘inappropriate relationship’ with staff member | College football

Michigan fired football coach Sherrone Moore Wednesday after finding evidence of an “inappropriate relationship with a staff member,” a stunning end to his short, turbulent tenure that saw the Wolverines take a step back on the field after winning the national championship.

“This conduct constitutes a flagrant violation of university policy and UM maintains zero tolerance for such behavior,” said athletic director Warde Manuel.

The announcement did not include details about the alleged relationship. Moore, who was 8-5 in his first season and 9-3 this year, did not return a message seeking comment left by The Associated Press. He signed a five-year contract last year with an annual base salary of $5.5 million.

College football’s winningest program is suddenly looking for a third coach in four years, shortly after a busy cycle in which Lane Kiffin left playoff-bound Ole Miss for LSU.

Moore, the team’s former offensive coordinator, was promoted to lead the Wolverines after winning the 2024 national title to succeed Jim Harbaugh upon his return to the NFL to lead the Los Angeles Chargers. The 18th-ranked Wolverines (9-3, 7-2 Big Ten) are scheduled to face No. 14 Texas on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl.

Moore, in his second season, was suspended for two games in 2025 as part of his self-imposed sanctions for NCAA violations related to a sign-stealing scandal. The NCAA added a third game to the suspension, which was expected to keep Moore off the sideline for next year’s opener against Western Michigan.

Moore will now miss this game for another reason.

He previously deleted his entire 52-message thread on his home phone with former staffer Connor Stalions, who led the team’s sign-sealing operation for the program. The texts were then retrieved and shared with the NCAA.

Biff Poggi, who replaced Moore when he was suspended earlier this season, will serve as the team’s interim coach.