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Former University of Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore was detained by police on Wednesday, December 10, just hours after he was abruptly fired amid allegations that he engaged in an “inappropriate relationship” with a staff member.
The developing case now involves two Michigan law-enforcement agencies, both of which say the investigation remains active.
In a statement to ESPN, the Saline Police Department confirmed it assisted in locating and detaining the 39-year-old coach. Moore was then transferred to the Pittsfield Township Police Department, which is overseeing the investigation into potential criminal charges.
Pittsfield Police later confirmed to FOX 2 that officers had been dispatched “for the purposes of investigating an alleged assault.” A suspect – identified as Moore in earlier statements – was taken into custody shortly afterward.
Officials emphasized that the incident was not random and there was no ongoing threat to the community. Moore was booked into the Washtenaw County Jail, where he is being held pending review by the county prosecutor. Police declined to release further information, citing the sensitive nature of the allegations and the need to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Moore’s detainment came only hours after the University of Michigan announced it had terminated him “with cause.” Athletic Director Warde Manuel said the university completed its own investigation and found “credible evidence” that Moore had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member – conduct that “constitutes a clear violation of University policy.”
Credit: Greg Fiume/Getty Images.
Manuel added that the university maintains “zero tolerance for such behavior.” Associate coach Biff Poggi has been appointed interim head coach effective immediately.
Moore joined Michigan’s coaching staff in 2018 as a tight ends coach and rose quickly through the ranks. He served as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach during Michigan’s national championship run in January 2024. That same season, he temporarily stepped in as acting head coach while Jim Harbaugh served suspensions.
When Harbaugh left the program to coach the Los Angeles Chargers, Moore was promoted to head coach for the 2025 season. Michigan ultimately finished 9–3.
However, Moore’s tenure had already been marked by disciplinary issues. He served a two-game suspension in Weeks 3 and 4 of the 2025 season for his connection to an illegal advanced scouting scheme, according to ESPN. He was also scheduled to serve a one-game suspension at the start of the 2026 season.
Credit: Mike Mulholland/Getty Images.
Despite the upheaval, the Wolverines are still slated to compete in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on December 31, where they will face the University of Texas Longhorns. The program has not commented on how Moore’s termination and ongoing legal issues may affect preparations.
As of now, Moore remains in custody, and prosecutors are determining potential charges. Police say additional details will be released when the investigation allows.
