Michigan Coach Who Said He Didn’t See Race is Handcuffed by Police, Fired from Job Over Allegations
Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore remained in custody Thursday at the Washtenaw County Jail as a suspect in an alleged assault, just hours after being fired by the university for what officials called an “inappropriate relationship with a staff member.” The stunning downfall came less than two years after Moore made history as one of the few Black head coaches in major college football.
A Swift and Stunning Fall
Moore, 39, was terminated “with cause” on December 10, 2025, after a university investigation found “credible evidence” he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. The school had initially investigated Moore earlier in the fall following a tip but found no wrongdoing. However, new information that emerged Wednesday was described by sources as “overwhelming,” leading to his immediate dismissal.
Hours later, Pittsfield police responded at 4:10 p.m. to an alleged assault on Ann Arbor Saline Road. Moore was detained and turned over to Pittsfield Township authorities. As of December 11, the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office said no decision on criminal charges was expected immediately, citing an ongoing investigation. Police emphasized the incident “does not appear to be random in nature, and there appears to be no ongoing threat to the community.”
Controversial Remarks on Race
Moore’s brief tenure as head coach—spanning just two seasons after serving as offensive coordinator—included notable comments about race in college football that drew significant media attention.
During Rose Bowl media day in December 2023, when asked about Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe’s revelation that coaches discouraged him from playing quarterback, Moore responded: “Really, I don’t see color. My wife is Caucasian. My kids are mixed.”
He continued: “I deal with Black, white. I’ve lived in Kansas where you can be in the house with the door open at 12, and in New Jersey where you have to be in the house by 6 o’clock. I’ve seen all cards of the spectrum.”
Moore also noted that his former boss, Jim Harbaugh, had a track record of hiring Black offensive coordinators. “His last offensive coordinators have all been African American, and that’s not something that’s big in this sport,” Moore said.
The comments came in response to Milroe’s candid discussion about Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien telling him “there’s a bunch of positions” he could switch to instead of quarterback. “How would you feel if I told you you suck?” Milroe said. “That’s exactly how I felt… But look where I am right now. Who gets the last laugh?”
Representation in College Football
Moore’s promotion to head coach in January 2024 made him one of a small number of Black head coaches in major college football. Out of 133 FBS coaching jobs, 15 are currently held by Black men, representing approximately 11% of head coaching positions.
The list includes James Franklin (Penn State), Deion Sanders (Colorado), Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame), Mike Locksley (Maryland), and others. Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles addressed the topic in October 2022, saying, “I think the minute you guys stop making a big deal about race, everybody else will as well… We coach ball. We don’t look at color.”
Some Black coaches have taken demotions from head coaching positions to coordinator roles at larger programs. In recent examples, Maurice Linguist left the University of Buffalo’s head coaching position to become co‑defensive coordinator at Alabama, and Willie Simmons departed Florida A&M—where he’d led the team to a Black college football national championship—to become running backs coach at Duke.
Michigan’s Leadership
The University of Michigan’s athletic department has been led by Black athletic director Warde Manuel. Under his leadership, both the football and men’s basketball programs—the two highest revenue‑generating sports—have been led by Black head coaches, with Moore in football and Juwan Howard in basketball.
Michigan admitted its first Black student, Samuel Codes Watson, in 1853. However, for close to 20 years, state legislation has disallowed the university from considering race‑ and gender‑based policies in admissions and hiring.
Personal Life
Moore married Kelli Moore , a former college soccer goalie and certified physician assistant, in July 2015. The couple has three daughters: Shiloh, Solei, and Sadie.
Kelli earned her bachelor’s degree from Centre College in Kentucky, where she played as a soccer goalie, and received her master’s degree from Central Michigan University. She has worked as a certified physician assistant at Spine Specialists of Michigan and later at Concentra. Kelli also participated in philanthropic efforts, serving as honorary co-chair for the 2024 Michigan Softball Academy fundraiser, which raised money for the American Cancer Society and breast cancer research in Southeast Michigan.
The Moore family frequently attended Michigan football games together, with Kelli and their daughters watching from the sidelines. They were present on the field when Michigan won the College Football Playoff National Championship in January 2024. Despite her husband’s high-profile position, Kelli maintained a private life with no public social media accounts.
Career Trajectory
Moore spent two seasons as Michigan’s head coach after serving as the team’s offensive coordinator. He had taken over head coaching duties during Jim Harbaugh’s suspension and helped lead the Wolverines to their 2024 national championship. When Harbaugh left for the Los Angeles Chargers in January 2024, Moore was promoted to the permanent head coaching position.
Before joining Michigan’s staff, Moore had coaching experience at various programs. His rise through the coaching ranks culminated in becoming one of 15 Black head coaches leading FBS programs.
What Happens Next
The investigation into the alleged assault remains active. “The matter involving Mr. Moore remains under active investigation by law enforcement,” Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Liz Mack said Thursday. “Mr. Moore remains in custody at the Washtenaw County Jail.”
Prosecutors have indicated they need additional time before making charging decisions or scheduling an arraignment. The nature of the alleged assault and the identity of any alleged victim have not been publicly disclosed.
Michigan now faces the task of finding a new head coach for its football program. The university has not announced an interim coach or timeline for hiring Moore’s replacement. The football team’s recruiting efforts and roster management will likely be affected during this transition period.
Moore’s termination for cause means he will not receive any buyout payments that might have been included in his contract. The university’s statement cited “credible evidence” of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member as the reason for his dismissal, though no additional details about that investigation have been released.
The dual crises—both the termination for workplace conduct and the criminal investigation—represent a dramatic fall for a coach who, less than two years ago, was celebrating a national championship and being hailed as a rising star in college football.
