Former Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh took the podium during his press conference and talked about his former understudy, Sherrone Moore, who was fired and later arrested.
Harbaugh talked on Friday (Dec. 12) and was asked by a reporter if he had any comment on the situation at Michigan.
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“I’m still processing that,” said Harbaugh. “Chad Jessop told me, one of our equipment guys, when we were coming off the field on Thursday. I’m still processing that like a lot of people, I’m sure.”
--> Former Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore posts bond
History
Harbaugh hired Moore as the University of Michigan’s tight ends coach in 2018, becoming a mentor to him and later promoting him to offensive coordinator.
After three seasons, he was promoted to co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach.
Under his leadership, Michigan’s offensive line won the Joe Moore Award in 2021 and 2022.
Harbaugh endorsed Moore as the rightful successor to lead the Wolverines after his departure to the National Football League, where Harbaugh now coaches the Los Angeles Chargers.
During the 2023 season, when Harbaugh was suspended, Moore served as interim head coach, guiding the team to the College Football Playoff and, together, to the national championship.
Harbaugh’s mentorship and leadership were instrumental in Moore’s rise within the Michigan football program, culminating in Moore’s promotion to head coach following Harbaugh’s exit from the university in 2024.
Together, Harbaugh and Moore helped position Michigan football for a promising future, with Moore being tasked with continuing that legacy as head coach, but he was ultimately fired for misconduct.
What happened
Moore was fired on Dec. 10 following an investigation that found that he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel issued a statement on Moore’s firing.
“U-M head football coach Sherrone Moore has been terminated, with cause, effective immediately.
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, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior.
Biff Poggi has been appointed head football coach in an interim capacity, effective immediately."
University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel
--> Warde Manuel still athletic director after U of M Regents meet, per reports
Newly released 911 dispatch audio sheds light on the events leading to Moore’s arrest.
The first call came around 4 p.m. Wednesday from the victim, who reported that a man was attacking her in a Pittsfield Township apartment.
“The caller told her that the male at the location is in the house, attacking her. States he’s been stalking her for months,” the dispatcher said.
The audio also revealed that Moore allegedly grabbed a knife, threatened to kill the woman, then fled, throwing the knife down.
About 30 minutes later, dispatchers received another call, reportedly from Moore’s wife in Ann Arbor, stating that Moore was suicidal after losing his job.
“Pittsfield units, this is referencing a domestic, [...] a call from S1’s wife in Ann Arbor saying that the subject is suicidal after losing his job today.”
NBC Sports reported that the university had allegedly been alerted before Wednesday that Moore had been dealing with mental health issues, but Manuel allegedly dismissed Moore alone, with no HR rep and no security present.
Moore was reportedly placed in protective custody by mental health professionals overnight following his arrest.
The Saline Police Department assisted in locating and detaining Moore, who was then turned over to the Pittsfield Township Police Department for further investigation on Dec. 10.
ESPN Senior Writer Dan Wetzel first reported the news.
John U. Bacon, author of several books on Michigan football, shared his reaction to the firing of Moore while speaking with Local 4 Wednesday night.
“I was not ready for this news by any means,” Bacon said from Houghton, Michigan, where he was attending a book event. “I was shocked it all fell that fast, but not shocked because I’d heard rumors for a year or two.”
Bacon noted the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing that Moore’s inappropriate relationship involved a staff member, crossing several lines.
He added that Moore also lied to the university and authorities, providing multiple reasons for his dismissal.
“It’s a sad story for Michigan. You can’t spin it,” Bacon said. “You also have to wonder how much other people knew and when. It’s not just Moore’s problem; it affects 70 or 80 people who work there.”
Arraignment
Moore was arraigned and charged on Friday (Dec. 12), where he appeared in 14A District Court on charges including third-degree home invasion, misdemeanor stalking, and misdemeanor entry without permission.
He was given a $25,000 bond.
MI-VINE reported that Moore was released on Friday.
Moore’s attorney, Joe Simon, waived the formal reading of the complaint and stood mute to the charges on his client’s behalf.
The prosecution requested the $25,000 cash surety bond, citing the seriousness of the charges and the safety of the victim and the public.
They also asked the court to impose conditions, including a mental health evaluation, GPS tether, no contact with the victim, surrender of weapons and passport, and a no-go order to the victim’s residence and workplace.
Assistant prosecutor Katie Rymer described the case facts, explaining that Moore and the victim had an intimate relationship that ended recently.
After the breakup, Moore allegedly made numerous unwanted calls and texts.
Following his termination on Wednesday (Dec. 10) from the University of Michigan, Moore reportedly forced entry into the victim’s apartment, threatened self-harm with kitchen knives and scissors, and made intimidating statements before leaving when the victim threatened to call the police.
Simon argued that Moore, 39, has no prior criminal history and poses no threat to public safety.
He noted that Moore had already undergone mental health evaluations with no recommendations for commitment and would comply with any court-ordered treatment.
Simon also emphasized Moore’s strong community ties and lack of flight risk, requesting a personal recognizance bond or a bond that reflects the charges rather than Moore’s financial means.
The judge set bond at $25,000 cash surety with conditions including no alcohol or drug use, no possession of weapons, no contact with the victim, GPS tether prior to release, and continued mental health treatment.
The victim’s identity and address were protected from the record.
The court scheduled a probable cause conference for Jan. 22, 2026, allowing time for ongoing investigation and discovery.
Moore was reminded to comply with all bond conditions and court orders and to stay in contact with his attorney.