Sherrone Moore’s fall from Michigan’s top job has been swift and far more dramatic than anyone expected. The university removed him as head coach after an internal investigation concluded he had violated policy through an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
That decision ended his tenure at 17–8, closing the book on a run that had once positioned him as the future of the Wolverines. Instead, Michigan cut ties for cause, a designation that immediately shifted attention to the financial implications of his contract.
Moore’s deal was structured to reward stability and long-term success. He signed a five-year contract with a $500,000 base salary and an additional $5 million in Year 1, with both amounts increasing by 2% each season.
The agreement included a $500,000 retention payment for every year he remained head coach for the full cycle. The incentive structure was substantial as well. Moore could earn up to $3.5 million in bonuses, with payouts tied to conference championships, national titles, and other performance metrics.
His buyout began at $5 million and dropped by $1 million each year until the final year, when it reached $1 million. Michigan’s decision to fire him for cause changes the math entirely.
Moore had completed two seasons, leaving roughly $12.3 million in remaining salary, bonuses, and buyout protection on the deal. Under a standard termination, that figure would have formed the basis of the payout owed to him.
By invoking the for-cause clause, Michigan is signaling that it does not intend to pay any remaining obligations. That stance will likely be challenged or debated by attorneys, but for now, the school is operating under the assumption that the remaining value of his contract has been wiped away.
Sherrone Moore Could Be In Deep Trouble
The off-field situation is far worse for Moore. Hours after being dismissed, Moore became the subject of a developing police matter in Washtenaw County. The Saline Police Department assisted in locating and detaining him before transferring him to the Pittsfield Township Police Department for further investigation.
ESPN received confirmation of the detainment, and the move sparked immediate attention throughout the college football world.
“The City of Saline Police Department assisted in locating and detaining former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore,” Saline Police said in a statement to ESPN. “Mr. Moore was turned over to the Pittsfield Township Police Department for investigation into potential charges.”
Additional reporting from The Wolverine’s Anthony Broome clarified that Moore was not booked into the county jail, meaning he was detained but not formally arrested. No charges have been filed yet, but authorities are evaluating potential charges tied to the case.
Read More:
Big Ten Injury Report Week 7: Who’s In And Who’s Out? Ft. Lorenzo Styles Jr, Tony Rojas, and More
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
