The University of Michigan is bracing for potential further employment terminations as a sweeping investigation into the alleged misconduct of former head football coach Sherrone Moore gets underway. Interim president Domenico Grasso delivered the stark warning in a rare video address to students, acknowledging a "challenging time" for the institution.
A Week of Turmoil: Arrest and Dismissal
The crisis erupted last Wednesday when the university fired the 39-year-old Moore over what it termed an "inappropriate relationship" with a staff member. Mere hours later, the situation escalated dramatically with Moore's arrest by police in connection with an alleged assault.
The married father-of-three stands accused of breaking into the Ann Arbor home of his executive assistant, Paige Shiver, armed with a knife. Prosecutors allege he engaged in a verbal argument with an unnamed victim inside the apartment, which quickly turned violent. During the incident, Moore is also said to have threatened to harm himself.
After allegedly fleeing the scene, he was apprehended at a church parking lot in a neighbouring town. Moore now faces serious charges including felony third-degree home invasion, alongside misdemeanour counts of breaking and entering and stalking. He has entered a plea of not guilty.
Following two nights in jail, Moore was released on Friday morning after posting a $25,000 bond. He was seen in public with his wife and youngest child on Sunday, presenting a united front despite the allegations of an affair becoming public.
University Vows "No Stone Unturned" in Probe
In his address, President Grasso confirmed that Chicago-based law firm Jenner & Block is conducting an in-depth review of the entire athletic department's culture and procedures. This comes after a series of controversies have plagued the programme in recent years.
"We will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that conduct like this does not happen again," stated Grasso, who assumed the interim role in May. "Make no mistake. We will leave no stone unturned, and any further action we take will be based on credible evidence and findings, developed through a rigorous investigation."
He issued a direct warning to staff, adding: "If the university learns of information through this investigation or otherwise that warrants a termination of any employee, we will act swiftly, just as we did in the case of Coach Moore." Grasso also urged anyone with relevant information to contact the investigating lawyers directly.
Search for a New Coach and Legal Repercussions
Amid the scandal, the university must also find a permanent replacement for Moore. Biff Poggi has been installed as interim coach to lead the team in an upcoming bowl game against Texas on December 31.
Grasso outlined the criteria for the next appointment, promising to hire "an individual who is of the highest moral character and who will serve as a role model and a respected leader for the entire football programme."
Meanwhile, Moore awaits his legal fate. If convicted on all current charges, he could face a maximum sentence of up to six-and-a-half years in jail. His rapid fall from grace is particularly striking given his successful tenure at Michigan. Hired by Jim Harbaugh in 2018, he rose from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator, playing a key role in the Wolverines' 2023 National Championship victory before being named head coach following Harbaugh's departure to the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers.
Harbaugh, who last saw his former colleague in early December, described the situation as a "tragedy" and "the worst days of his life," advising Moore to seek spiritual guidance and focus on his family.
