The University of Michigan made a decisive move last week, terminating its head football coach, Sherrone Moore. The dismissal, classified as "with cause," followed the discovery of an inappropriate relationship with a university staff member. This action has sparked public debate, particularly because the staffer involved remains employed. The university clarifies that the decision was not personal but a strict procedural outcome dictated by a specific policy.
The Policy That Sealed Moore's Fate
University officials explained to USA Today that the termination was a direct result of violating Policy No. 201.97. This rule, adopted in 2020, governs intimate relationships between supervisors and their subordinates. The core of the policy places the entire responsibility of disclosure on the supervisor involved.
According to the university, Sherrone Moore failed to report his relationship to the authorities. This single omission was deemed a serious enough violation to justify his firing. The policy explicitly states that a supervisor cannot initiate such a relationship with someone they oversee. It also mandates immediate disclosure if a relationship already exists.
"Failure of the Supervisor to disclose an Intimate Relationship is a serious offense and cause for discipline, up to and including dismissal from employment," the policy reads. Crucially, the rule does not require the subordinate to report the relationship. Michigan says this design is intentional, aimed at protecting employees from potential retaliation, as supervisors hold power over pay, job security, and promotions.
This policy was instituted following an external investigation into former provost Martin Philbert, who was found to have engaged in multiple sexual relationships with subordinates. The investigating law firm, WilmerHale, recommended a standalone policy placing disclosure obligations solely on supervisors to avoid conflicts of interest and exploitation risks. Michigan's adherence to this guidance made Moore's termination unavoidable once the non-disclosure was confirmed.
The Incident and Legal Fallout
The identity of the staffer was not officially released by the university or police. However, the name Paige Shiver, who served as Moore's executive assistant, became central to the narrative after Moore's subsequent arrest. The chain of events began with a 911 call from an apartment belonging to Shiver.
Prosecutors stated the confrontation occurred just two days after the woman involved ended the relationship. During the incident, assistant prosecutor Kati Rezmierski told the court that Moore made threatening statements. "I'm going to kill myself," Moore allegedly said. "I'm going to make you watch. My blood is on your hands. You ruined my life."
Police allege that Moore entered the residence through an unlocked door, engaged in a verbal argument, and grabbed two butter knives and a pair of scissors. He was later arrested at a church parking lot in a neighboring town. Moore, 39, now faces serious charges including a felony count of third-degree home invasion and misdemeanor charges of stalking and breaking and entering. He has pleaded not guilty.
If convicted on all counts, Moore could face up to six-and-a-half years in jail and $3,500 in fines. He was granted a $25,000 bond, ordered to wear a GPS monitoring device, and must continue mental health treatment. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 22.
Aftermath and Next Steps for Michigan Football
The university's public statement cited the "inappropriate relationship with a staff member" as the reason for firing Moore with cause. This designation allows Michigan to avoid paying out the remainder of his five-year contract. "U-M head football coach Sherrone Moore has been terminated, with cause, effective immediately," the university announced. "This conduct constitutes a clear violation of university policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior."
Moore, married to his wife Kelli since 2015 with whom he has three daughters, was seen with his family shortly after posting bond. Meanwhile, the Michigan Wolverines football program has moved forward, appointing Biff Poggi as the interim head coach. Poggi will lead the team in the upcoming Citrus Bowl against Texas on December 31 at 3 p.m. ET.
The case highlights the strict procedural enforcement of institutional policies, even when the outcomes may appear lopsided in the court of public opinion. For the University of Michigan, the 2020 policy left no room for discretion, leading to the abrupt end of Sherrone Moore's tenure.
