Former University of Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore remains in custody after being arrested Wednesday evening, which came just hours after the school announced he had been fired for “an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.” Moore, 39, was booked into the Washtenaw County Jail around 8:30 p.m., according to Pittsfield Township police, who are investigating an alleged assault.
According to a report from ESPN’s Dan Wetzel: “Breaking: Ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore was detained by police in Saline, Mich. this evening and turned over to police in Pittsfield Township for investigation into potential charges.” Colleague Pete Thamel added that “Pittsfield Charter Township sent ESPN this press release, which does not name Sherrone Moore but references “investigating an alleged assault.” Statement: “A suspect in this case was taken into custody….”
The Pittsfield Charter Township (Michigan) Department of Public Safety announced on Thursday that Moore is expected to appear in court for arraignment on Friday. The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office told ESPN that it does not expect a decision Thursday on whether to file criminal charges against Moore.
Per the Detroit News, authorities said officers responded at 4:10 p.m. to an address on Ann Arbor–Saline Road to investigate an alleged assault. Police emphasized the incident “does not appear to be random” and posed no ongoing threat to the public. While the Pittsfield Township Police Department did not identify the suspect in its statement, Saline police confirmed they had earlier “assisted in locating and detaining former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore,” before turning him over to Pittsfield Township for “investigation into potential charges.” No charges have yet been filed, and investigators say they cannot release additional details due to the nature of the allegations and the ongoing inquiry.
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel had confirmed Moore’s firing in a statement on Wednesday which read: “U-M head football coach Sherrone Moore has been terminated, with cause, effective immediately. Following a University investigation, credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior.” The university has named Biff Poggi, 66, as interim head coach
The university’s internal review earlier this fall did not initially uncover proof of misconduct, but new information that surfaced Wednesday prompted immediate action, according to sources familiar with the process. The school’s decision may void a buyout estimated at roughly $14 million.
Moore’s firing ended a tenure that began when he succeeded Jim Harbaugh after Michigan’s 2023 national championship season. He compiled a 17-8 overall record (11-6 in the Big Ten) across two years as head coach, having previously served as offensive coordinator and, before that, the team’s tight ends coach. His rapid rise within the program began in 2018 when Harbaugh added him to the staff.
Moore, married with three daughters, had signed a five-year contract worth at least $5.5 million annually before the 2024 season. His tenure was already marked by previous disciplinary issues, including suspensions related to a recruiting violation and the sign-stealing investigation tied to former staffer Connor Stalions.
Michigan, which finished the regular season 9-3, is slated to face Texas in the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31.
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