Michigan should make a ‘wild’ choice for next head coach, suggests former NFL star

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Sherrone Moore’s dismissal from the Michigan Wolverines football program and the ongoing controversy stemming from his incarceration Wednesday night has been a major talking point in the sports world.

Former NFL star quarterback Shawne Merriman gave his initial reaction to Moore’s situation in an interview with Pakinomist Digital.

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Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore looks on prior to the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Wrigley Field on November 15, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

“At first it just seemed like he was being released and if what they said was true, then you would understand. I think for me personally I don’t like to see people spiral,” he said. “Unfortunate things happen, but I don’t like to see things spiral, and it sounds like there’s something deeper and more serious mentally than we were all led to believe in the first place. When the firing happened, I said, “OK, well, that’s politics, that’s part of it. Rules are rules and it is what it is.” Now it just seems like, man, somebody might be on edge.

“I’m a real supporter of mental health. I hope things aren’t completely the way they’re coming out right now. But of course, when I first saw it, I said, ‘That seems right, they have rules there.’ Now it’s like somebody might need help, and hopefully he’ll get it.”

Moore was jailed hours after the program fired him for having an “inappropriate relationship” with an employee. The school did not comment on his detention.

Former NFL and Maryland Terrapins linebacker Shawne Merriman is recognized on the field for his charity Lights On Foundation’s during the second half of the game against the George Washington Colonials at Xfinity Center on Nov. 11, 2021. (Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports)

SHERRONE MOORE STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION, NO DECISIONS EXPECTED ON SENTENCE RULES SOON, DA SAYS

Michigan will now have to find the next man for the job, which can be more difficult this time of year.

Merriman told Pakinomist Digital that he believed a Super Bowl champion coach could be in play.

“In my opinion, I think so, I know it’s a little wild, but I believe Jon Gruden could be (the next head coach),” he said. “I believe if they wanted to pull the trigger like this and then really hit something big, I think Jon Gruden. I know he’s been back in the sport a lot. I know he’s been out there publicly wanting to coach. I think it’s going to make a big splash, a big name, a great coach. And as he gets more into the younger demographic of media, I think he’d find me.

“I see Jon Gruden. They got the money. So I think that would be a good move for them to make.”