The Fall of the Michigan Man: Sherrone Moore's Firing and Dramatic Police Detention

The University of Michigan football program, barely a year removed from the pinnacle of a National Championship victory, has once again been plunged into turmoil. The abrupt dismissal of Michigan coach Sherrone Moore, only months into his tenure as Michigan Head Coach, sent shockwaves through the college football world.

Moore’s firing was swift, and the reasons provided by the university pointed to a violation of institutional policy. However, the subsequent headlines, involving police and a detention, transformed a routine internal policy breach into a sprawling national scandal. This article details the career ascent of Sherrone Moore, the specifics of his firing, the legal issues that followed, and the future of the Wolverines program under Athletic Director Warde Manuel.

The Rise of Sherrone Moore: From Coordinator to Head Coach

Sherrone Moore had been a celebrated and crucial component of the Wolverines’ recent success. Joining the Michigan football staff in 2018, he quickly established himself as one of the best offensive line coaches in the country, contributing to Michigan winning back-to-back Joe Moore Awards (2021-22) for the nation’s top offensive line. His promotion to Offensive Coordinator saw him lead an offense that dominated the Big Ten.

The public got a glimpse of his coaching mettle during the tumultuous 2023 season when he served as acting Michigan coach during Jim Harbaugh’s suspensions. His tearful post-game interview after defeating Penn State endeared him to the fanbase. Following Harbaugh’s departure for the NFL, Moore was named the 21st Michigan Head Coach in January 2024, agreeing to a five-year contract worth an annual Sherrone Moore salary of $5.5 million. He was the first African American to hold the position.

The Inappropriate Relationship: Why Sherrone Moore Was Fired

On December 10, 2025, the University of Michigan announced that Sherrone Moore was fired for cause, effective immediately.

• The Violation: Athletic Director Warde Manuel released a statement confirming that an internal investigation had found "credible evidence" that Moore was engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
• The Policy: The university maintained a zero-tolerance policy against such conduct, particularly between a head coach and a subordinate staffer.
• The Staffer: While the university did not officially name the individual, widespread media speculation quickly focused on a staff member, Paige Shiver Michigan, who had been part of the athletic department.

The firing for cause is a critical detail, as it means the university is not obligated to pay the nearly $12.3 million remaining on his contract, saving them a significant sum but further souring the departure.

The Shocking Detention: Washtenaw County Jail

The controversy escalated dramatically just hours after his dismissal. Reports, including those from TMZ, indicated that Sherrone Moore was detained by police in Saline, Michigan, near Ann Arbor.

• Detention Details: Moore was taken into custody and subsequently lodged in the Washtenaw County Jail.
• The Allegation: Police confirmed they were investigating an alleged assault and stated the incident was not random, suggesting the parties involved were known to each other.
• No Formal Charges: As of the time of reporting, Sherrone Moore mugshot and formal Sherrone Moore charges had not been released, with the incident remaining under investigation by the Pittsfield Township Police Department.

The headlines rapidly switched from "Michigan Head Coach Fired" to "Sherrone Moore arrested," compounding the immediate damage to the program's reputation.

The Personal Life: Kelli Moore and Family

The professional scandal inevitably brought unprecedented public attention to Moore’s private life. Sherrone Moore is married to Kelli Moore, and the couple shares three daughters: Shiloh, Solei, and Sadie. The family has generally maintained a private life, but the allegations of an inappropriate relationship and subsequent firing brought intense scrutiny to the status of his marriage and his family life. Kelli Moore has not issued a public statement regarding the allegations of a Sherrone Moore affair.

The Future of Michigan Football

The abrupt departure of Moore, compounded by his prior entanglement in the Connor Stalions sign-stealing investigation (where he was already facing future suspensions), leaves the Wolverines in a desperate scramble.

• Interim Coach: Biff Poggi, a former Michigan staffer and close ally, was immediately named interim coach for the Citrus Bowl.
• Coaching Candidates: The search for the next Michigan Head Coach football is wide open, with names like Jedd Fisch, Kalen DeBoer (who quickly moved to take another major job), and others being immediately thrown into the mix.

The dismissal of Sherrone Moore not only ends a successful coaching run but marks a new, deeply turbulent chapter, forcing the University of Michigan to confront serious questions about leadership, integrity, and the future direction of its most storied athletic program.