The Michigan Wolverines football program is once again under the microscope-and this time, it's not about what happened on the field. Sherrone Moore, once seen as a rising star in the coaching ranks, has been fired following an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. It's the latest in a string of off-field controversies that have rocked the program since its national title run in 2023, and interim head coach Biff Poggi isn’t sugarcoating the situation.
"It's been five years of a malfunctioning organization," Poggi said bluntly. "Let’s call it what it is."
That’s not just frustration talking-it’s a stark acknowledgment of a pattern that’s become impossible to ignore. From NCAA recruiting violations to the headline-grabbing sign-stealing scandal that unfolded under Jim Harbaugh, Michigan has spent more time in the news for investigations than for victories lately. Moore's dismissal, while tied to a personal misconduct issue rather than rule-breaking, adds yet another layer to a program already fighting to clean up its image.
Poggi, who stepped in as interim coach, didn’t hold back in his assessment. He spoke candidly about the need for internal change, pointing directly at the leadership inside Schembechler Hall.
"The athletic director doesn’t want any more of that," Poggi said. "There will be a massive self-examination of what’s happened in this building."
That self-examination is already underway. Michigan has brought in Jenner & Block, a Chicago-based law firm, to investigate how the athletic department handled Moore’s situation.
According to reports, the scope of the investigation is wide open-meaning the university isn’t ruling anything out. And with interim president Domenico Grasso stating that Michigan is prepared to “act swiftly” if the findings call for it, more changes could be on the horizon.
"We will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that conduct like this does not happen again," Grasso said. "Make no mistake. We will leave no stone unturned."
This isn’t just about Moore. His firing ends a two-year run that was already marred by his involvement in the sign-stealing saga-an incident that earned him an active show-cause penalty from the NCAA.
And Moore isn’t the only coach with baggage. Former co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss was implicated in a separate investigation involving unauthorized access to private information.
Harbaugh himself was under scrutiny for recruiting violations during the COVID-19 dead period.
It’s a troubling pattern for a program with one of the richest traditions in college football. And now, as Michigan launches its search for a new permanent head coach, the focus isn’t just on finding someone who can win-it’s about finding someone who can stabilize the culture.
Poggi, for his part, is throwing his hat in the ring. He’s made it clear he wants the job-and wants to be the one to fix what’s broken.
"This place is magical," Poggi said. "The program means a lot to me. It’s one of the things I want to fix before I go smoke myself to death with cigars."
That’s vintage Poggi-unfiltered, passionate, and clearly invested in the future of Michigan football. But passion alone won’t be enough. Whoever takes the reins next will inherit a program that’s still trying to shake off years of controversy and regain the trust of its fans, alumni, and the NCAA.
The Wolverines are at a crossroads. The talent is there.
The tradition is there. But until the culture is right, Michigan’s biggest opponent won’t be Ohio State or Penn State-it’ll be itself.