John U. Bacon, author of several books on Michigan football, shared his reaction to the firing of former Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore.
“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 on Wednesday (Oct. 10) 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.”
Discussing the timing of the firing, Bacon acknowledged it was inconvenient, coming just after early National Signing Day and the recent coaching hire of special teams coordinator Kerry Coombs.
However, Bacon praised the university for acting swiftly once it had the information.
“There’s probably no good time to fire your coach for cause based on inappropriate conduct in a work setting,” Bacon said. “You have to make a swift and decisive decision, and they did.”
Bacon reflected on Moore’s rise from assistant to head coach, calling it a “huge break” that Moore ultimately squandered.
Looking ahead, Bacon said the next head coach must prioritize integrity above all else.
“I’d start there. First and foremost, I’d be more concerned about that than winning games initially,” Bacon said. “Get the program and reputation back where they’re supposed to be.”
--> Former Michigan football HC Sherrone Moore held in Washtenaw County Jail amid assault investigation
Watch the full interview below: