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Sherwin Moore’s tenure at Michigan ended abruptly, but it appears there was smoke long before the saga took place earlier this month.
Moore was fired after the University of Michigan said it found he was in an inappropriate relationship with an employee. Shortly after, he was jailed after he broke into an employee’s home and threatened to kill himself.
However, Moore was reported to have had issues with assistants inside the building, most notably a heated argument with Wink Martindale earlier in the year.
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Michigan Wolverines head football coach Sherwin Moore is seen warming up before a college football game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, on November 15, 2025. (Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
According to Detroit Free PressMoore overheard his aides talking about potential recruits. Then he started berating the employees and did not want people to “talk behind them.” [his] behind.”
“Look, we’re trying to help you … get the right recruits,” Martindale said.
Moore reportedly wondered in expletives whether Martindale knew what he was doing.
“Yes, I’m just the old man,” Martindale, who was 61 at the time, reportedly said.
“You don’t know how hard and stressful it is to be a football coach,” Moore apparently replied through tears, and proceeded to criticize the papers.
Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale watches a game against Ohio State during halftime at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (Junfu Han/USA TODAY Network via Illustration)
Ed Orgeron offers advice to Sherwin Moore after the saga that left him fired and arrested
If convicted, Moore faces more than half a decade behind bars, which would certainly hurt any hopes he might have of returning to the sidelines. His next court date is January 22.
Moore went 16-8 as Michigan’s head coach, going 8-5 in his first year and then 7-3 last season. He missed two games due to a suspension from a sign-stealing investigation at the school.
Prosecutors accused Moore of contacting the employee via phone calls and text messages after the breakup, prompting the woman to contact the University of Michigan and cooperate with its investigation. Moore was subsequently fired from his position as football coach, which prosecutors said prompted him to come to her home.
Sherwin Moore’s booking photo was obtained by Fox News Digital on December 18, 2025. (Washtenaw County Jail)
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Moore then allegedly “forced” his way into the residence, grabbed a butter knife and kitchen shears and began threatening his life. According to prosecutors, Moore allegedly told the employee: “My blood is on your hands” and “You ruined my life.”
A not guilty plea was entered for Moore during his first court appearance earlier this month.
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