The University of Michigan has fired football coach Sherrone Moore for cause, athletic director Warde Manuel announced Wednesday, citing a violation of university policy regarding an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
The dismissal comes less than two years after Moore was promoted to replace Jim Harbaugh following the Wolverines’ 2023 national championship. Biff Poggi, recently an adviser to the program, has been named interim head coach effectively immediately and will lead the team in the Citrus Bowl against Texas on Dec. 31.
“U-M head football coach Sherrone Moore has been terminated, with cause, effective immediately,” Manuel said in a statement. “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 did not release further details regarding the investigation or the staff member involved.
Moore, 39, finishes his tenure with a 16-8 record as head coach. He guided the Wolverines to a 9-3 regular season record in 2025, though he missed two games due to a university-imposed suspension related to the NCAA’s investigation into the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal.
Moore joined the Michigan staff in 2018 as tight ends coach and rose quickly through the ranks, serving as offensive coordinator and acting head coach for four games during the 2023 season while Harbaugh served two separate suspensions. His stewardship during that title run made him the clear successor when Harbaugh departed for the Los Angeles Chargers.
The firing marks a stunning turn of events for a program that had appeared to stabilize after a rocky start to the post-Harbaugh era. While the Wolverines struggled to an 8-5 finish in 2024, the 2025 campaign showed promise with a 9-3 mark and a marquee bowl matchup.
Poggi, who previously served as associate head coach under Harbaugh before a stint as head coach at Charlotte, returned to Ann Arbor earlier this year in an advisory role.
“Our focus now shifts to supporting our student-athletes and preparing for the upcoming bowl game,” Manuel said. “We will begin a national search for a new head coach immediately.”
The university said no additional comments would be made regarding personnel matters.
Breaking: Michigan has fired head coach Sherrone Moore, sources tell @AdamSchefter, @PeteThamel and @DanWetzel. pic.twitter.com/t3W2TVxKH0
— ESPN (@espn) December 10, 2025
