ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan fired football coach Sherrone Moore on Wednesday after finding evidence of an “inappropriate relationship with a staff member,” a stunning end to his short, up-and-down tenure that saw the Wolverines take a step back on the field after winning the national championship.
“This conduct constitutes a clear violation of university policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior,” athletic director Warde Manuel said.
The announcement did not include details of the alleged relationship. Moore, who was 8-5 in his debut season and 9-3 this year, did not return a message seeking comment left by The Associated Press.
The 39-year-old Moore signed a five-year contract with a base annual salary of $5.5 million last year. According to the terms of his deal, the university will not have to buy out the remaining years of Moore’s contract because he was fired for cause.
College football’s winningest program is suddenly looking for a third coach in four years, shortly after a busy cycle that included Lane Kiffin leaving playoff-bound Ole Miss for LSU.
