Throughout the 2025 season, rumors circulated that Michigan coach Sherrone Moore could be in danger of losing his position. However, no concrete information ever emerged, and Moore continued leading the team as usual, finishing the regular season with a 9–3 record. On Monday, he even attended a press conference to discuss Michigan’s upcoming matchup against Texas in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

Two days later, everything changed. The University of Michigan dismissed Moore for cause after determining that he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a female staff member. The decision brought an abrupt and troubling end to a tenure that began in 2018, when Moore joined Jim Harbaugh’s staff as tight ends coach. He later took over the offensive line, leading a unit that won the Joe Moore Award, given to the nation’s top offensive line.

His rise continued as he was promoted to offensive coordinator and eventually served as acting head coach during Harbaugh’s Big Ten–imposed suspension late in the 2023 season. Moore guided Michigan to a memorable win over Penn State, followed by victories against Maryland and Ohio State, helping secure the team’s third straight Big Ten title and its first national championship in the BCS/CFP era. When Harbaugh left for the NFL, Moore was named the permanent head coach.

In his first full season in charge, he defeated Ohio State and compiled an overall record of 17–8. Even so, his time at Michigan ended abruptly.

Now, Michigan enters the coaching market at a difficult moment. Most major vacancies have already been filled, and many top candidates have renewed their contracts with their current programs. Still, the job remains highly attractive: it is a historic powerhouse in college sports, backed by strong financial resources and recent regional and national success. The top priority, however, will be hiring a leader with no off-field concerns.

Beyond the coaching search, Moore’s dismissal creates immediate challenges for the program just weeks before the transfer portal opens. Michigan must now work to retain key players and recruits while evaluating potential candidates to guide the team moving forward.