The University of Michigan’s athletic department is facing heightened scrutiny as a law firm hired to investigate former football coach Sherrone Moore’s alleged inappropriate relationship with a staffer prepares to broaden its inquiry. Sources close to the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, revealed that the probe is not confined to the football program and could extend across the entire athletic department.
The university terminated Moore on Wednesday, citing an investigation that uncovered his improper relationship with a staff member. Moore, 39, is married and has three daughters. The allegations took a more serious turn when prosecutors announced on Friday that Moore had been charged with three criminal offenses, including felony home invasion and stalking. Prosecutors detailed an incident where Moore allegedly “barged his way” into the apartment of a woman with whom he was having an affair and threatened suicide.
According to individuals familiar with the matter, Athletic Director Warde Manuel had previously addressed the situation with the school’s board during the season. He reportedly questioned both Moore and the staffer about their relationship, and both individuals denied any romantic involvement. The same sources indicated that Manuel informed the board that he had reviewed extensive communications, including hundreds of text messages and emails exchanged between Moore and the woman on their university-issued devices, and had found no evidence of inappropriate conduct at that time.
However, the university later engaged an external law firm to conduct a more thorough investigation. This firm commenced its work on campus on Monday, the same day the staffer failed to report for work. Her attorney reportedly met with the investigating firm on Tuesday. The following day, Wednesday, the staffer provided evidence of her relationship with Moore, which coincided with Manuel’s decision to dismiss Moore. Notably, the termination occurred without the immediate involvement of human resources or campus police.
The extent of the alleged inappropriate behavior and its potential impact was foreshadowed even before Manuel’s internal review and the law firm’s investigation. Two sources familiar with the situation disclosed that a social media influencer from outside Michigan had previously contacted the university to voice concerns regarding Moore’s conduct.
Details of the Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Kati Rezmierski, a prosecutor for Washtenaw County, confirmed that Moore and the staffer had been engaged in an affair for “a number of years” before she ended the relationship on Monday. Rezmierski stated that Moore had made persistent attempts to contact the woman through calls and texts, but she had refused to respond.
The prosecutor’s office detailed the events that led to the criminal charges. Shortly after losing his coaching position, Moore allegedly entered the woman’s apartment without permission. The situation escalated as he reportedly retrieved knives and scissors from a kitchen drawer and began to threaten his own life. Rezmierski quoted Moore as saying to the woman, “I’m going to kill myself. I’m going to make you watch. My blood is on your hands. You’ve ruined my life.”
Moore has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. He was released from jail after posting a $25,000 bond. In court, Moore spoke minimally, acknowledging the judge’s order to maintain no contact with the woman, among other conditions. His defense attorney, Joe Simon, stated that Moore would fully cooperate with the judge’s directive for an additional evaluation. The court has mandated that Moore wear a GPS tracking device, remain within Michigan, and abstain from alcohol. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 22.
Contractual Ramifications and Program Continuity
Moore had signed a five-year contract the previous year, with a base annual salary of $5.5 million. Under the terms of his agreement, the university is not obligated to provide a buyout for the remaining years of his contract, as his termination was for cause.
The No. 18 ranked Michigan Wolverines are scheduled to play No. 14 Texas in the Citrus Bowl on December 31. Biff Poggi, who previously served as interim coach when Moore was suspended earlier in the season due to a sign-stealing scandal during the Jim Harbaugh era, will once again step in as the interim head coach.
The university is actively engaged in a search for a new head coach, with the goal of making a hire this month. This timely decision is crucial for retaining current recruits and ensuring players remain committed to the program, thereby discouraging them from entering the transfer portal in the coming month. The ongoing investigation and coaching transition present significant challenges for the future of Michigan’s football program.