While the University of Michigan has officially cited an “inappropriate relationship” as the reason for firing head football coach Sherrone Moore with cause, new reports suggest the investigation may have had powerful backing from dissatisfied boosters.
According to a report circulating on X (formerly Twitter) from user @JBook_37, Michigan boosters allegedly hired private investigators to dig up information on Moore. The goal, according to the claim, was to find cause to terminate his contract without paying a multi-million dollar buyout.
Isaiah Hole is reporting that big Boosters at Michigan hired Lawyers and Private Investigators weeks ago to dig up dirt on Sheronne Moore. His own Boosters were working behind the scenes to get him out of there. pic.twitter.com/pU2b1EH2tV
— JBook. (@JBook_37) December 11, 2025
The report aligns with the “tepid” support Moore was reportedly receiving from donors as the Wolverines stumbled to a 9-3 finish in his first full season. Front Office Sports noted earlier this week that key boosters had pulled back on donations, signaling deep dissatisfaction with the program’s direction following its 2023 National Championship run.
Moore’s firing “for cause” saves the university approximately $16.5 million in buyout money. Had he been fired strictly for on-field performance, Michigan would have been on the hook for 75% of his remaining contract value.
The use of private investigators by boosters is not unprecedented in college football, often serving as a mechanism to escape costly contracts when a program underperforms. Moore was also arrested late Wednesday on suspicion of assault, further complicating his exit from Ann Arbor.
Two prevailing theories have emerged in the wake of the firing and subsequent arrest, both centered on the role of executive assistant Paige Shiver.
Theory 1: The Booster “Honey Trap”
As reported earlier, rumors circulating on X (formerly Twitter) suggest that dissatisfied Michigan boosters may have hired private investigators to dig up dirt on Moore. With the team finishing 9-3 and donor support waning, the theory posits that finding “cause” to fire Moore was a financial necessity to avoid a massive buyout.
In this narrative, the “inappropriate relationship” wasn’t just stumbled upon—it was actively hunted. Some conspiracy theorists have even suggested a classic “honey trap” scenario, where the relationship was either encouraged or weaponized by those looking to oust the head coach without paying him the remaining millions on his contract.
The Supporting “Clues”:
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The “Anonymous Tip”: Reports indicate the investigation began with an anonymous tip in November that initially stalled. Theorists argue this tip may have been planted by the PIs to force the university’s hand, but it lacked the “smoking gun” needed until recently.
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The Sudden Cooperation: The investigation reportedly gained traction only in the last few days when the staff member involved (Shiver) began “telling the truth.” Skeptics question why a staff member would suddenly cooperate against her boss unless pressured or incentivized—potentially by the very people looking to remove Moore.
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Moore’s “Paranoia”: ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Moore had been “acting strange” and “berating” staff for weeks. While some attribute this to guilt, conspiracy theorists argue this behavior is consistent with someone who realizes they are being surveilled or set up.
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The Buyout: The $16.5 million savings provides a massive financial motive. In the high-stakes world of college football, eight-figure sums are often enough to justify ruthless tactics.
Theory 2: The “Betrayal” & Self-Preservation
A second, perhaps more grounded theory has gained traction regarding why the investigation—which reportedly began with an anonymous tip in November—suddenly accelerated this week.
Reports indicate the inquiry had stalled until the “persons involved” began “telling the truth” in the days leading up to the firing. This has led to speculation that Shiver, seeing the writing on the wall, cut a deal with the university to save herself.
In this scenario, Shiver likely realized that the relationship was doomed and that her own career was in jeopardy. To avoid termination or being blacklisted from collegiate athletics, she may have agreed to cooperate fully, handing over texts, dates, and evidence that provided the “credible evidence” Athletic Director Warde Manuel needed.
This theory provides a chilling context for the alleged assault that followed.
If Moore believed he and Shiver were a united front against the investigation, discovering that she had “thrown him under the bus” to save herself would explain the sudden, violent confrontation at her home. It would imply that his arrival at her residence wasn’t just the act of a jilted lover, but of a man who realized he had been betrayed by the person he trusted most.
The 911 call, in which Shiver claimed Moore had “stalked her for months,” could be viewed through this lens as Moore frantically trying to contact her as he realized she had turned against him, culminating in the desperate scene that led to his arrest.
While these theories remain unverified, they offer potential explanations for the erratic behavior and rapid-fire sequence of events that dismantled the Michigan football program in less than 24 hours.
Flip the pages for photos of Paige Shiver…
