The unraveling of Sherrone Moore’s tenure as Michigan’s head football coach began not with a public scandal or an NCAA notice, but with a quiet, anonymous tip delivered to Athletic Director Warde Manuel.
According to reports from The Athletic and other sources, that singular piece of information sparked a confidential university investigation that culminated Wednesday in Moore’s stunning termination for cause.
The university’s decision was swift and absolute, leaving Moore, 39, with virtually no opportunity to contest the findings or negotiate a resignation before the news went public.
A source briefed on the decision said the school received an anonymous tip regarding the inappropriate relationship, prompting the investigation. The investigation initially did not produce evidence of the relationship, the source said, but additional evidence came to light in the last 24 hours that led to Moore’s dismissal.
The Tip That Sparked the Inquiry:
@robertlittalbso Michigan Head Coach Sherrone Moore Fired for affair with Staffer #sherronemoore #michigan
Sources indicate that the investigation was triggered weeks ago when Manuel received an anonymous tip alleging Moore was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. While the university attempted to keep the inquiry under wraps to avoid disrupting the football program’s preparations for the Citrus Bowl, the probe quickly gathered what officials described as “credible evidence.”
For weeks, a small circle of university regents and administrators worked behind the scenes. As rumors began to circulate among key donors—leading some to pause their financial contributions—the timeline for a decision accelerated.
“Effective Immediately”
Unlike standard coaching transitions that often involve weeks of rumors, agent negotiations, or “mutual partings of ways,” Moore’s dismissal was delivered as a fait accompli.
On Wednesday, Moore was informed of the university’s findings and terminated “effective immediately.” The use of the “for cause” designation is significant; it allows the university to void the remaining millions on his contract and signals that the administration saw no gray area in the allegations.
By moving directly to termination without a suspension or a prolonged public hearing, Michigan effectively denied Moore the window to mount a public defense or rally support from players and fans before the decision was final. The “zero tolerance” policy cited by Manuel closed the door on any potential rehabilitation of Moore’s status.
The Fallout
The timing of the decision—weeks before a bowl game and days before the transfer portal window opens—underscores the severity with which the university viewed the infraction.
“This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior,” Manuel said in a statement.
The internet detectives believe Moore had an affair with his administrative assistant Paige Shiver, but those rumors are unconfirmed at the moment.
Interim head coach Biff Poggi has now taken the reins of a program in shock. For Moore, who ascended to the head coaching role following a national championship run, the anonymous tip has led to an abrupt and likely permanent exit from Ann Arbor.
Flip the pages for photos of Paige Shiver.
