Sherrone Moore’s tenure as the Michigan Wolverines coach ended abruptly on Wednesday due to his termination for cause following an internal investigation. The investigation revealed that Moore had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

According to Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, “Sherrone Moore has been terminated, with cause, effective immediately. Following a university investigation, credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and UM maintains zero tolerance for such behavior.”

Moore took over as Michigan’s head coach after Jim Harbaugh’s departure to coach the Los Angeles Chargers, concluding his tenure with a record of 16-8 (11-6 within the Big Ten). He had been part of Michigan’s coaching staff since 2018, initially serving as a tight ends coach.

As of December 1, USA Today reported that Moore’s buyout stood at $13.89 million, which is among the lowest in the Big Ten. Notably, coaches like Lincoln Riley of USC and David Braun of Northwestern did not have buyouts documented. Because Moore was dismissed for cause, Michigan might escape financial obligations regarding his buyout, a matter that could end up in court.

Moore ranked as the fourth Big Ten coach to be dismissed this season, following DeShaun Foster (UCLA), James Franklin (Penn State), and Jonathan Smith (Michigan State). His contract stipulated a base salary of $5.5 million along with annual additional compensation through the 2029 season, which included a $500,000 retention bonus per year.

The initial buyout agreement mandated that it would consist of 75% of the base and additional compensation for the remainder of his contract, with a requirement for Moore to seek alternative employment to offset Michigan’s buyout payments.