Jim Harbaugh Responds to Sherrone Moore Fallout, Says He's 'Still Processing' the News
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is no stranger to the spotlight, but the attention this week hasn’t been about his NFL squad or the playoff push-it’s been about his former colleague, Sherrone Moore.
Moore, who worked alongside Harbaugh at Michigan from 2018 to 2023, was recently fired from his post as Wolverines head coach and arrested, sending shockwaves through the college football world. On Friday, Harbaugh addressed the situation publicly for the first time.
“Still processing that,” Harbaugh told reporters. “Heard that.
Chad Jessup told me, one of our equipment guys when we were coming off the field Thursday. Still processing that like a lot of people I’m sure.”
It was a brief statement, and one that didn’t sit well with everyone. Some fans immediately questioned the timing of Harbaugh’s response, suggesting he may have known more than he let on. The skepticism spilled onto social media, with critics doubting the idea that Harbaugh only learned of Moore’s situation on Thursday.
The backlash was swift and loud-fans calling him dishonest, disingenuous, and even accusing him of protecting Moore during their time together in Ann Arbor. While the reaction online was harsh, Harbaugh has not responded further to the criticism.
Moore’s rise at Michigan was closely tied to Harbaugh. He joined the program in 2018 as the tight ends coach and quickly climbed the ladder, eventually becoming offensive coordinator.
When Harbaugh faced two separate suspensions in 2023-first for recruiting violations, then for the sign-stealing investigation-it was Moore who stepped in as interim head coach. He led the Wolverines to an 18-8 record across two seasons and was ultimately named Harbaugh’s successor when the veteran coach left for the NFL.
Now, with Moore out amid serious legal issues, questions are swirling not just about his tenure, but about the judgment behind his promotion.
Veteran sports commentator Jason Whitlock weighed in on the situation, taking direct aim at Harbaugh’s decision to back Moore as his successor. On his podcast this week, Whitlock criticized the hire, questioning Moore’s qualifications and suggesting Harbaugh’s support stemmed more from ideology than football merit.
The Wolverines now find themselves searching for a new head coach once again, while Harbaugh focuses on keeping the Chargers in the playoff picture. His NFL team is in the thick of the postseason race, and with the spotlight intensifying, Harbaugh’s ability to compartmentalize may be tested more than ever.
For now, Harbaugh says he’s still coming to terms with the news-just like everyone else. Whether that answer satisfies critics or not, the fallout from Ann Arbor is far from over.