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College football’s most recent season fueled plenty of heated debates — and now scandals.
In recent days, much of the talk has centered on the College Football Playoff committee’s selection for this year’s 12-team playoff. But debates surrounding that topic were quickly put on the backburner when news broke that Michigan had fired football coach Sherrone Moore.
The university said an investigation found there was sufficient evidence that Moore had an “inappropriate relationship with an employee.” The announcement was a stunning end to Moore’s short, up-and-down tenure that saw the Wolverines take a step back on the field after winning the national championship and being punished by the NCAA.
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Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore leads the team off the field after warming up before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium on November 22, 2025 in College Park, Maryland. (G Fiume/Getty Images)
“This behavior constitutes a clear violation of university policy, and UM maintains zero tolerance for such behavior,” school officials said in a statement.
Later, Moore was booked into the Washtenaw County Jail as Pittsfield police conducted an assault investigation.
Moore’s firing left much of the college football world stunned.
Here’s a look at how former college players, fans and other observers reacted to the shocking development.
Former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones weighed in, suggesting the decision to remove Moore was a sign that Michigan was “finally” meeting “some standards.”
Other social media users referenced Lane Kiffin, whose decision to transfer from Ole Miss to LSU drew mixed but nonetheless passionate reactions across the sports landscape.
The Detroit Free Press reported that former LSU coach Brian Kelly is not expected to draw interest from Michigan during his coaching search.
The announcement did not include details of the alleged relationship. Moore, who is married with three young daughters, has yet to comment on his firing.
Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore is shown on the sideline during the first quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland on November 22, 2025. (Tommy Gilligan/Imagn Images)
The 39-year-old Moore was 9-3 this year after going 8-5 in his debut season.
He signed a five-year contract with a base salary of $5.5 million last year. Under the terms of his deal, the university does not have to buy out the remaining years of Moore’s contract because he was fired for cause.
2025 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF, BOWL BUZZ: MICHIGAN FIRES HC SHERRONE MOORE
Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore reacts from the sideline during a college football game against the USC Trojans at Michigan Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
Following news of the police investigation, the University of Michigan Athletic Department told Pakinomist Digital that it “cannot comment on personnel matters” and has “nothing to share beyond the initial statement.”
Michigan scandal deepens as Sherrone Moore fired, allegedly held back; set off the reaction of the sports world
