Michigan AD Warde Manuel felt 'betrayed' by Sherrone Moore, former football coach
April 17, 2026
Former Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore lied during an initial investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel expressed a deep sense of personal and professional betrayal in his first detailed comments following the tumultuous exit of former head football coach Sherrone Moore. The stunning departure in December 2025, which has left the storied football program in a state of upheaval, was a result of Moore's termination for cause. Manuel's recent statements reveal the profound disappointment felt within the athletic department, stemming from the abrupt end to a tenure that began with great promise just two years ago.
Sherrone Moore was elevated to head coach in January 2024, a move widely seen as a seamless transition after he served as a successful offensive coordinator and interim head coach. As the first Black head coach in the program's history, his appointment was celebrated as a new chapter for Michigan football. After two seasons, which included a notable victory over Ohio State and a bowl game win, the foundation seemed secure for continued success. However, the trajectory of the program took a sharp and unexpected turn late last year, culminating in a crisis that has now become public.
In December 2025, the University of Michigan fired Moore after an investigation uncovered evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, a clear violation of university policy. The university stated it has zero tolerance for such behavior. The situation escalated when Moore was arrested and faced legal charges, including trespassing and malicious use of a telecommunications device, following a confrontation with the woman involved. While a felony charge was dropped, Moore eventually pleaded no contest to misdemeanors and was sentenced to 18 months of probation in April 2026.
For Manuel, the professional decision to terminate Moore was straightforward, given the clear breach of conduct. Yet, he admitted the personal difficulty of the situation, having known Moore for several years. The feeling of betrayal, as articulated by sources close to the athletic department, stems not only from the violation of policy but from the damage inflicted upon the program's stability and reputation. The timing of the dismissal, just before a crucial recruiting period, sent shockwaves through the team and among prospective players, forcing Michigan into an immediate and challenging search for a new leader.
In the wake of the scandal, Manuel has initiated a search for a new head coach, with Biff Poggi serving in an interim capacity. The athletic department is also undergoing a cultural evaluation to address the issues brought to light by this incident and to prevent future occurrences. For Warde Manuel, the path forward involves not just hiring a new coach, but also rebuilding the trust and cultural foundation of a program rocked by the actions of its former leader.
Source: detroitnews