New details have emerged about the months leading up to the dramatic fall of former University of Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore, painting a picture of erratic and emotional behaviour long before his arrest in December.
Early Signs of Trouble and a Deteriorating Staff Relationship
According to a report in the Detroit Free Press, Moore, 39, was acting erratically as far back as February 2023, nearly ten months before his career imploded. The married father-of-three saw his relationship with his coaching staff deteriorate significantly over this period.
The report indicates that veteran defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, a coach with around two decades of NFL experience, became a focal point for Moore's outbursts. An anonymous university official told the Free Press that in the weeks before Moore's firing, "Sherrone wasn’t even speaking to his coaches."
Confrontations and Emotional Outbursts
The tension reportedly came to a head in a meeting where Moore, concerned staff were talking behind his back about recruits, began "screaming at staffers." When Martindale attempted to intervene, stating, "Look, we’re trying to help you get the right recruits," Moore allegedly retorted, "You don't know what the (expletive) you're doing."
The confrontation grew more intense as Moore, apparently becoming tearful, stated, "You don’t know how hard it is to be the head football coach and the pressure." He then allegedly stormed out of the room. Another insider bluntly summarised the relationship, saying Moore and Martindale "don't like each other."
Martindale, who has worked for the New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, and Oakland Raiders, declined to comment on the situation due to the ongoing police investigation.
The December Arrest and Wider Allegations
This internal turmoil preceded Moore's shocking arrest on December 12, 2023. Police records show he was taken into custody after allegedly entering the apartment of his executive assistant, Paige Shiver, confronting her, and threatening to kill himself. This occurred hours after Michigan fired him for an "inappropriate relationship" with a staff member.
Moore was charged with breaking and entering, home invasion, and stalking. He spent two nights in jail before being released on a $25,000 bond. If convicted on all counts, he faces up to six years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty.
Further allegations have since surfaced. A report by The Athletic claims five other women had uncomfortable exchanges with Moore. One woman, who thought his social media messages were from a fake account, said he contacted her on November 1, the day his team beat Purdue. He reportedly engaged with women's Instagram stories using fire emojis or clapping hands, and would ask how they connected when he had initiated the contact. Three of these women work in sports media.
These revelations compound a rapid and spectacular downfall for the coach, whose wife of ten years, Kelli, appears to be standing by him. The case continues to develop as the legal process unfolds.
