The University of Michigan's independent investigation, conducted by the law firm Jenner & Block, into former head football coach Sherrone Moore's inappropriate relationship with a staff member has uncovered significant institutional failures. The probe found that athletic director Warde Manuel was aware of rumors concerning Moore and the staffer several months before Moore's termination in December. However, both Moore and the staff member denied the relationship when questioned by Manuel, and the athletic director reportedly found no corroborating evidence during an initial review of their school-issued communications.
The investigation intensified when new evidence of the relationship emerged, leading to Moore's termination on December 10. The firing was for cause, citing an "inappropriate relationship with a staffer" and a "clear violation of University policy." This development followed an anonymous tip received by the university alleging the affair, which prompted the hiring of an outside firm to conduct a more thorough external investigation.
Further compounding the university's issues, Moore was criminally charged on December 12 with felony home invasion and misdemeanor counts of stalking and breaking and entering. These charges stemmed from allegations that he broke into the staff member's home shortly after his firing, where he reportedly threatened to harm himself. Moore pleaded not guilty to the charges, and a probable cause hearing is scheduled for January 22, 2026. He was released on a $25,000 bond, subject to GPS monitoring and mandatory counseling.
The initial investigation into Moore's misconduct quickly expanded into a broader inquiry into the culture and practices of the entire athletic department. Jenner & Block, the Chicago-based law firm handling the probe, has considerable experience with the university, having previously investigated former president Mark Schlissel. The firm's legal fees for the Moore investigation are substantial, with an invoice for approximately two weeks of work in November 2025 totaling nearly $62,000, even after a 10% discount. Individual lawyers charged hourly rates up to $2,345.
Interim University President Domenico Grasso indicated in mid-December that the investigation would remain open to uncover additional information and assess potential misconduct by other individuals. This ongoing, expanded probe highlights the university's commitment to addressing the numerous scandals that have afflicted its athletic department and how they were managed. The overall legal costs for the university in this matter are expected to be considerably higher as the investigation continues into the broader departmental culture.
