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Michigan Announces Why Sherrone Moore Was Abruptly Fired

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Dec 10, 2025 5:22 PM ET

In a shocking decision, the University of Michigan has fired head football coach Sherrone Moore after two years at the helm. But the cause for his dismissal might be the most shocking of all.

Moore went 15-8 over his two full seasons as head coach (not counting two wins the team achieved during a suspension he was serving). The team finished 9-3 in the regular season and had qualified for the Citrus Bowl, which they play against Texas on New Year's Eve.

But according to ESPN reporter Adam Rittenberg, Moore's dismissal has nothing to do with the results on the field. He has been fired for cause due to a reported "inappropriate relationship with a staff member" which the reportedly violated university policies. The university claimed to have "credible evidence" of the violation.

"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," the university said, via Rittenberg.

Michigan announces Sherrone Moore has been fired for cause.

"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."
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 10, 2025

Panic Mode

Had this decision been reached even two weeks ago, Michigan might have had their choice of any head coach in the country. But the coaching carousel has come and gone, leaving very few elite candidates available for one of the biggest jobs in all of sports.

Some names that are likely to be floated over the next few days may include Biff Poggi, Brian Daboll, Ed Orgeron and Jon Gruden as some of the more high-profile options. But it wouldn't be a shock if they were forced to use 2026 as a semi-rebuilding year until the right candidate becomes available next season.

It's a tough break for Michigan this late in the year, but there's not much they can do other than to start finding a permanent replacement right away.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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