ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Long before officials called the final play and fired head football coach Sherrone Moore last week, the University of Michigan already knew about red flags piling up inside its athletic department.

EPSN reports that a Chicago-based firm started an investigation this fall into whether Sherrone Moore and a staffer were involved in an inappropriate relationship. Jenner & Block’s inquiry sprang from an anonymous tip about Moore and said staffer, but both reportedly denied it. However, Washtenaw County Prosecutor Kati Rezmierski laid out the details at Moore’s arraignment on Friday, saying the staffer broke up with Moore on Monday. That triggered the events that lead to Moore’s firing, alleged assault, and court appearance on a felony home invasion charge and two misdemeanors.

MORE NEWS: City of Lansing: Fire Chief’s Contract Not Renewed Amid Bra Lawsuit

Moore is out on a $25,000 bond with a GPS tether and cannot contact the alleged victim. He will be back in court on Jan. 22, 2026.

Flags, fumbles, and a chaotic culture.

Moore’s firing started as a sports story that quickly morphed into one that spanned the police blotter. But Jenner & Block doesn’t need an introductory lesson when it comes to UM. The firm handled other investigations involving the Ann Arbor school, including the 2022 investigation into former school president Mark Schlissel and a relationship with an employee. That investigation lead to Schlissel’s removal.

While some pundits have called for the same action with UM Athletic Director Warde Manuel, he remains employed. Manuel received a five-year contract extension last year that runs through June 30, 2030. One of Manuel’s main duties as AD is hiring staff and coaches.

In addition, Michigan News Source reached out to the UM Athletic Department to ask if Moore’s alleged victim was still employed there. The department did not respond.

Moore is just the most recent in a slew of scandals plaguing UM.

Too many penalties: computer crimes, sign stealing, and sitting out games.

Former offensive coordinator Matt Weiss might know some of what Moore is going through. Both men worked together as offensive coordinators under former head coach Jim Harbaugh in 2022. Weiss now faces his own legal problems. His federal indictment handed down earlier this year includes 24 charges related to unauthorized access to computers and aggravated identity theft.

MORE NEWS: In Trump-Inspired Move, Michigan GOP Announces DOGE Task Force to Cut Waste, Boost Accountability

Federal prosecutors alleged Weiss accessed the personal accounts of thousands of NCAA student-athletes over several years. His charges include targeting specific female athletes so he could access their intimate photographs and videos. In addition, a lawsuit is pending against Weiss and former President Santa Ono for identity theft.

Meanwhile, Jim Harbaugh, who left Ann Arbor for the LA Chargers in 2024, had a difficult time finding the words at a press conference last week after hearing of Moore’s firing and arrest.

 

 

While at Michigan, Harbaugh sat out the first three games of the 2023 season with a school-imposed suspension. It came in the shadow of NCAA allegations involving staffer Connor Stallions’ sign stealing scandal.

In 2024, the NCAA issued UM’s punishment which included probation for the 2025-2027 seasons and fines. The NCAA’s report blasted Harbaugh for “[running] a program that was largely dismissive of rules compliance.” Moore sat out several games this fall as part of that punishment.

Sexual abuse by UM sports doctor.

In 2022, the University of Michigan agreed to pay $490 million in damages to the more than 1,000 former students, most of whom are male. They said the now late sports doctor Robert Anderson sexually abused them. That scandal involved several generations of victims dating back 60 years.

The state’s college coaching conundrum.

While the Wolverines look to secure a new permanent head coach soon, it’s not the only university reeling from sideline scandals. It’s rival, Michigan State University, is still cleaning up the mess on the field and in the courtroom left by ex-head coach Mel Tucker and his sexual harassment scandal. MSU fired him in 2023. Tucker’s coaching replacement, Jonathan Smith, got the ax a few weeks ago for a two-season losing record. MSU swiftly replaced him with former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald who has scandals of his own, including hazing allegations.

“Moving forward with integrity.”

Meanwhile, UM President Domenico Grasso penned a letter to students on Thursday titled “Moving forward with integrity.” He acknowledged Moore’s firing and said “there’s no tolerance for this conduct at the University of Michigan.” He also encouraged students who have information about the scandal to contact Jenner & Block.

Grasso wrote, “This breach of trust by Coach Moore is painful for many in our community, first and foremost, the individuals directly involved in this situation. Yet our swift and decisive action reflects the University’s staunch commitment to a campus culture of respect, integrity and accountability. All of the facts here must be known, so the University’s investigation will continue.”