Former Michigan Football Coach Sherrone Moore Taken Into Custody Hours After Being Fired

From head coach to police custody, Sherrone Moore's collapse played out in a single afternoon.

Just hours after being unceremoniously fired for breaching university policy, Sherrone Moore, once hailed as a rising star in college football, was in handcuffs.

The former Michigan head coach was arrested amid a swirling assault investigation that has rocked the Ann Arbor community to its core.

The Arrest

Moore, 39, who was terminated by the University of Michigan with cause on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, was taken into custody later that same day and booked into Washtenaw County Jail.

His arrest followed a police response to a reported assault in the 3000 block of Ann Arbor Saline Road at around 4:10 p.m. Pittsfield Township Police confirmed the incident was not random and that there was no threat to the public.

Although officials did not immediately name the person detained, Saline Township Police confirmed they had assisted in locating Moore and turning him over to Pittsfield officers.

As of Thursday, December 11, the Washtenaw County Prosecutor had not filed formal charges but was reviewing the case.

Why The University Fired Moore

Earlier that same day, Moore was fired by the University of Michigan after a university-led investigation uncovered what officials described as "credible evidence" of 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," said Athletic Director Warde Manuel in a statement.

Because Moore was terminated with cause, the university does not intend to pay the nearly 12.3 million dollars remaining on his contract.

Moore had led the Wolverines to a 17–8 record over two seasons. His final game was a 27–9 loss to Ohio State, capping off a 9–3 finish to the 2025 season.

Moore's Milestones at Michigan

Following Moore's firing, Biff Poggi was appointed interim head coach. The Wolverines are still scheduled to face Texas on December 31 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

Moore's dismissal marks a dramatic reversal for a coach who, just one year ago, made history as Michigan's first African American head football coach.

In 2024, he led the team to a postseason victory over No. 11 Alabama and swept all four of the school's key rivalry games. The team also boasted a top-10-ranked defense after completing what analysts called the second-toughest schedule in the nation.

That standout season saw Moore develop two All-Americans, Mason Graham and Dominic Zvada. Graham was a finalist for the Outland Trophy and the Nagurski Award, while Zvada was named Big Ten Kicker of the Year.

In total, nine Wolverines were named to All-Big Ten teams. Moore had steadily climbed the ranks of Michigan's coaching staff, starting in 2018 as tight ends coach, then becoming offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator.

In 2023, he was promoted to offensive coordinator and helped lead Michigan to a national championship and a third consecutive Big Ten title.

During his tenure as the offensive coordinator, Michigan averaged over 38 points per game and more than 200 rushing yards.

His offensive line units won the Joe Moore Award two years in a row and paved the way for three different 1,000-yard rushers: Hassan Haskins, Blake Corum, and Donovan Edwards.

Moore's Career History

Moore's leadership produced several All-Americans and NFL draft picks. His coaching résumé also includes four seasons at Central Michigan, where he added the titles of assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator.

He previously coached at Louisville, where he spent five years after beginning as a graduate assistant. As a player, Moore helped Oklahoma win two Big 12 Championships and appear in a pair of BCS bowl games. He earned a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma and a master's in sports administration from Louisville.

Issues That Marked Moore's Tenure

Despite his success, Moore's time at Michigan was not without controversy. In 2023, he was suspended for the season opener due to recruiting violations as part of the university's self-imposed penalties.

In 2025, he missed Weeks 3 and 4 after being connected to the illegal advanced scouting case involving former staffer Connor Stalions. He was also set to serve a one-game suspension at the start of the 2026 season, a consequence that will no longer be enforced.

Students React with Shock, Confusion, and Disbelief

On campus, students expressed disbelief at the rapid turn of events. "I did not expect it, yeah. I thought he was going to stay at least another season," stated Anthony Damiano. "If he was going to be fired, I thought it would be before the Ohio State game — maybe a couple of weeks before that. A little bit of a shock."

"I think it's really surprising and disappointing, but I'm excited to see if we get maybe a better coach in the future," added Kendyll Martin. "But I heard speculation about people wanting him to be fired, but I didn't think it would happen."

"I'm really surprised. Honestly, I thought after Harbaugh left, it might be a good idea to kind of clean house and get everybody out, but I was not expecting this to happen, and I'm really not certain what they're going to do now. Everyone else has been hired," said George Cattermole.

As of Thursday morning, no further updates had been released. Pittsfield Township Police said additional information would be made available "as soon as permissible" once the prosecutor's review is complete.