Jim Harbaugh Reacts to Sherrone Moore’s Firing Amid Legal Troubles, While Chargers Push Toward Playoffs
Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore spent six seasons side by side at Michigan, building one of the most formidable programs in college football. Now, just a year after Moore succeeded Harbaugh as the Wolverines’ head coach, their paths have taken dramatically different turns.
Moore was fired from Michigan on Wednesday following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. That alone would’ve been a major headline. But the situation escalated quickly-Moore was arrested and taken into custody on suspicion of assault, and by Friday, he was facing formal charges: stalking, breaking and entering, and third-degree home invasion.
The 39-year-old had taken over the Michigan program in 2024 after Harbaugh left for the NFL. In his two seasons at the helm, Moore posted an 18-8 record. Now, with the Wolverines preparing for their bowl game against Texas, Biff Poggi has been named interim head coach.
Harbaugh, now leading the Los Angeles Chargers, addressed the news for the first time on Friday. When asked about Moore’s firing, the typically composed coach admitted he was still coming to terms with the developments.
“Still processing that,” Harbaugh said. “Still processing that, like a lot of people, I’m sure.”
It’s a stunning fall for a coach who just two years ago helped guide Michigan to a national championship. Moore had been with the program since 2018, initially hired as the tight ends coach before climbing the ranks to offensive coordinator.
In 2023, when Harbaugh served a three-game suspension, Moore stepped in as interim head coach and helped keep the Wolverines’ title hopes alive. That season ended with Michigan beating Washington in the national championship game-a crowning achievement for both coaches.
While Moore’s legal situation unfolds in Ann Arbor, Harbaugh’s attention remains fixed on the Chargers’ playoff push. After an 11-6 campaign last season that ended in a tough Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans, Los Angeles has rebounded in 2025. The Bolts are 9-4 and in strong position for back-to-back playoff appearances-something the franchise hasn’t accomplished since the 2008-09 seasons.
According to ESPN’s projections, the Chargers have a 78.2% chance of making the postseason. Winning the AFC West is still mathematically possible, but the more realistic path is through the Wild Card. Two more wins over their final four games should be enough to punch their ticket.
For Harbaugh, the focus is clear: finish strong, secure a playoff berth, and try to make a deeper run this time around. But even in the midst of a high-stakes NFL season, the news out of Michigan has clearly struck a personal chord.
As Harbaugh continues to lead the Chargers through a critical stretch, the contrast between his NFL resurgence and Moore’s sudden downfall is stark-a reminder of how quickly the landscape can shift in football, and in life.