ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Students on the University of Michigan campus are grappling with disbelief after the recent firing of football coach Sherrone Moore, who is now under investigation and in jail.
Many agree the university made the right decision to terminate Moore, but questions remain about the future of Michigan football.
“I think the next coach is going to have a big hole to dig us out of,” said Justin Baltuch, a Michigan student.
The University of Michigan has faced multiple challenges recently. Former football coach Matt Weiss was charged with hacking into thousands of college athletes’ accounts. The school was also involved in a sign-stealing scandal. Now, head football coach Sherrone Moore has been fired following an investigation that uncovered an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
“I mean, I was pretty shocked,” said Karol Chmielewski, another Michigan student. “I haven’t heard any sort of rumor. It was really kept under wraps, so just kind of shocking.”
Athletic Director Warde Manuel addressed the situation on Wednesday, stating, “This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior.”
Manuel also announced that Biff Poggi has been named interim head football coach, effective immediately.
When contacted for further comments, the university referred back to the athletic director’s statement and declined to provide additional information.
Attempts to reach the Board of Regents for comment have so far been unsuccessful, with some declining to respond.
“We’re going to have to go ahead and win back that locker room who is really devastated,” Baltuch said. “Secondly, we’re going to have to win back the fan base because right now the fans are pretty disappointed that we installed our trust in someone that could not be trusted.”
Despite this low point, the campus community remains hopeful that Michigan football will recover and restore its prestigious reputation.
Sherrone Moore’s firing marks the university’s search for a third head coach in just four years. The team is scheduled to play Texas on Dec. 31.