Michigan Football in Turmoil: Moore Fired, Coaching Search Faces Early Rejections
In a stunning sequence that has rocked college football and heightened scrutiny on the University of Michigan’s athletic leadership, the Wolverines have begun a tumultuous coaching search following the firing of head coach Sherrone Moore.
Swift Firing After Credible Policy Violations
On December 10, 2025, Michigan announced it had fired Sherrone Moore “with cause” after an internal investigation concluded there was credible evidence that the coach engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a team staff member — a violation of university policy. The dismissal came just hours before Moore’s arrest on felony and misdemeanor charges, including third-degree home invasion and stalking, related to an alleged incident with that same staffer. (Reuters)
Moore’s abrupt departure marks the latest high-profile controversy at Michigan, a program already wrestling with public blowback from past NCAA compliance issues tied to a sign-stealing investigation that led to suspensions and sanctions earlier this year. (Wikipedia)
Interim coach Biff Poggi has been installed to lead the Wolverines into the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Texas, a matchup now overshadowed by the off-field saga and its emotional toll on players. Poggi and team leaders have publicly acknowledged feelings of betrayal and shock among the roster and families. (Reuters)
Coaching Search Hits Early Snags: DeBoer and Dillingham
Michigan’s effort to hire a permanent head coach has already encountered notable resistance.
Kalen DeBoer, the highly accomplished head coach at the University of Alabama, was widely mentioned early in the coaching carousel as a potential top candidate following Moore’s firing. However, DeBoer has publicly and unequivocally rejected interest, stating he is committed to Alabama and “has not spoken and has no interest in speaking with anyone else about any other job.” His focus remains firmly on Alabama’s season and the College Football Playoff, effectively removing him from Michigan’s pursuit. (Reuters)
Similarly, Kenny Dillingham, the head coach at Arizona State, has been discussed as a potential Wolverine target. But sources close to Dillingham indicate he is not actively pursuing other jobs and has strong ties to ASU, dampening expectations that he would depart for Ann Arbor. While not as definitive in public denial as DeBoer, Dillingham has made clear through comments and context that he plans to stay put. (AZCentral)
The early departures of these marquee names have made Michigan’s search for a headline hire more complicated than anticipated, prompting speculation that the program may need to widen its candidate pool or focus on less traditional choices.
Broader Context: Continuing Athletic Department Scrutiny
The Moore episode is shaping up to be more than just a coaching vacancy — it has intensified scrutiny on Michigan’s athletic culture and governance. In the wake of the scandal, the university board authorized a broader review of how the situation was handled and the surrounding departmental environment, signaling institutional concern over systemic issues. (Sports Business Journal)
This latest chapter adds to a string of controversies that have shadowed Michigan athletics in recent seasons, from NCAA penalties to personnel upheavals. For a program accustomed to national prominence both on and off the field, the timing and severity of these events have frustrated fans, donors, and alumni alike.
What Comes Next
With DeBoer and Dillingham effectively off the table, Michigan appears poised to target a new class of candidates — whether rising assistants, established coordinators, or head coaches at smaller Power Five programs. Reports suggest other names like Jedd Fisch and Eli Drinkwitz are being evaluated, though nothing official has been announced. (Maize n Brew)
For the Wolverines, stabilizing the program and restoring confidence — among players, recruits, and the broader fanbase — will be as critical as the next head coach they name. The upcoming bowl game and subsequent January recruiting period will test how quickly Michigan can pivot from crisis to continuity.
