ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Warde Manuel, 57, will continue in his role as athletic director following a meeting of the University of Michigan Regents, per a report.
According to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, Michigan board members and university officials held a call on Thursday (Dec. 11) regarding the situation involving former Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore‘s firing, and concluded that Manuel will keep his position.
Michigan board members and university officials held a call earlier today related to the situation with Sherrone Moore, sources tell @YahooSports. Despite reports to the contrary, Warde Manuel remains the athletic director as the school begins a search for its next coach.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 11, 2025
The university has been in the news for over 24 hours after Manuel fired Moore on Dec. 10, 2025, for what he deemed an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
“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
As Michigan searches for a new football coach, Biff Poggi will serve as the Wolverines’ interim leader as they prepare for their Cheez-It Citrus Bowl matchup against the Texas Longhorns on New Year’s Eve.
Manuel has been Michigan’s athletic director since 2016. Before that, he was the athletic director at the University of Connecticut from 2012 to 2016 and at the University of Buffalo from 2005 to 2012.
The 57-year-old played defensive tackle for the Wolverines from 1986 to 1989 under Bo Schembechler before suffering a career-ending neck injury during his senior season.
Sherrone Moore
Moore is expected in court on Dec. 12, 2025, following an assault investigation after his dismissal from the program.
The Pittsfield Townfield Police Department released a statement on Dec. 11, 2025, that the investigation was ongoing and under review by the Washtenaw County Prosecutor.
Moore remained in custody at the Washtenaw County Jail and is expected to appear in court for arraignment on Friday.
“The Pittsfield Township Police Department remains committed to transparency while respecting the privacy rights of both victims and the accused,” Pittsfield Township police.
No charges or bond have been announced.
The Pittsfield Township Police Department said they responded to an alleged assault on Wednesday around 4 p.m., but did not identify Moore as the suspect in their official release.
Local 4 confirmed Moore was taken into custody and lodged at the Washtenaw County Jail pending review of charges by the Washtenaw County Prosecutor.
What happened
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 Wednesday (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.”
Career
Moore’s tenure at Michigan began in January 2018 as the tight ends coach.
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.
During the 2023 season, Moore served as interim head coach while Jim Harbaugh was suspended, co-leading the Wolverines to the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Moore was promoted to head coach for the 2024 season, finishing with an 8-5 record.
In his second season as head coach, Moore led Michigan to a 9-3 record and was preparing the team for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31 at 3 p.m.
However, with his termination, Poggi will now lead the team.
Moore had recently discussed Michigan’s 2026 recruiting class, praising several players, including running back Savion Hiter, defensive lineman Alister Vallejo, and potential gem Marky Walbridge.
He expressed excitement about the talent and potential of the incoming class, who could now potentially transfer out of the program following Wednesday’s events.
The timing of Moore’s firing is notable, as many college football coaching positions are already being filled for the upcoming season.
The future of Michigan’s coaching staff and program remains uncertain as the Wolverines aim to secure their 10th win of this once-promising football season.