Sherrone Moore, recently dismissed as head coach of the University of Michigan football team, has been charged with three offenses, including home invasion and stalking. These allegations follow his abrupt firing earlier this week, which the university attributed to an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
Moore, aged 39, was taken into custody on December 6, 2023, after local police responded to an assault report in Pittsfield Township, a suburb near Ann Arbor. According to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office, he is accused of “unlawfully entering the dwelling of a victim with whom Mr. Moore had a dating relationship.” Following his arrest, Moore spent two nights in jail.
The university has not disclosed specific details regarding the alleged relationship that led to Moore’s termination. However, Athletic Director Warde Manuel stated that an investigation revealed credible evidence of behavior that constituted a “clear violation of university policy.” Moore, who is married and has three daughters, signed a five-year contract with a base annual salary of $5.5 million last year, but the university will not need to pay a buyout due to the nature of his dismissal.
Coaching Career and Immediate Consequences
Moore previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Wolverines before stepping into the head coaching role after the team’s national championship victory. He succeeded Jim Harbaugh, who departed for the NFL, taking over as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Michigan Wolverines are scheduled to compete against No. 14 Texas in the Citrus Bowl on December 31, 2023. In the interim, Biff Poggi, who temporarily filled in for Moore during a suspension related to a separate sign-stealing scandal, will take over as acting head coach.
Moore’s legal issues and dismissal could have broader implications for the Wolverines. The program may face challenges, including potential player departures through the transfer portal and hesitance from donors involved in funding revenue-sharing and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. As the university searches for a new head coach, the future of the football program remains uncertain.
In the meantime, Moore’s defense attorney, Joe Simon, declined to comment prior to Moore’s initial court appearance. The situation continues to develop as the legal proceedings unfold.
