The University of Michigan’s football program was rocked by a major scandal in December 2025, culminating in the firing of Head Coach Sherrone Moore and his subsequent detention by local police. The events closed a chapter that had recently seen the Wolverines win a national championship.
Table of Contents
The Firing: Inappropriate Relationship with Staffer
On December 10, 2025, the University of Michigan (U-M) announced that Sherrone Moore had been terminated “with cause,” effective immediately.
- Official Reason: U-M Athletic Director Warde Manuel stated that the decision was based on finding “credible evidence” that Moore, who is married, had engaged in an “inappropriate relationship with a staff member,” which was a clear violation of University policy.
- Contract and Salary Implications: Moore had a five-year contract worth a total compensation of approximately $6 million annually (including a $5.5 million base salary and $500,000 retention bonus), which was set to run through the 2029 season. Being fired “for cause” allows the university to potentially avoid paying the remaining multi-million-dollar buyout (estimated at over $13 million), though legal disputes are often common in such cases.
The university did not officially identify the staff member involved in the relationship.
Unverified Rumors and Paige Shiver
Following the announcement, unverified speculation on social media quickly focused on Paige Shiver, an executive assistant to the head coach.
Who is Paige Shiver?
Shiver joined the Michigan athletics program in 2021 and was promoted to Executive Assistant in 2024. She is the daughter of Jeff Shiver, a long-time NFL scout for the Chicago Bears. She has a rare genetic condition called Pompe Disease.
- The Connection: While the University never confirmed her identity, her name was widely circulated online, leading to intense public scrutiny and rumors. Her social media profiles were deactivated or set to private as the news broke, further fueling speculation.
- Status of Rumors: Claims about her role in the alleged relationship, her age, and other personal details remain unconfirmed by any official or verified news source.
The Detention: Police Investigation
Hours after his termination was announced, the news intensified when Sherrone Moore was detained by police.
- Detainment Details: The City of Saline Police Department assisted in locating and detaining Moore before turning him over to the Pittsfield Township Police Department for investigation.
- Why Was Moore Detained? Pittsfield Township police issued a statement, without naming Moore, that officers were investigating an “alleged assault” that had occurred in the township (in the area of the 3000 block of Ann Arbor Saline Road). Police confirmed that a suspect was taken into custody and lodged at the Washtenaw County Jail pending a review of charges by the prosecutor.
- Current Status: As of the latest reports, the police investigation is ongoing, and the specific nature and charges related to the alleged assault have not been officially disclosed. Moore was scheduled for arraignment following his detention.
Sherrone Moore’s Personal Life
Sherrone Moore is married to Kelli Moore.
Wife and Family:
Sherrone and Kelli Moore married in July 2015 and have three young daughters. Kelli, a former college goalkeeper, has largely maintained a private life away from the public eye.
The Fallout:
The scandal has brought Kelli Moore and her family under intense and unwanted public scrutiny.
Michigan’s Next Steps
The firing and detention of Moore have thrown the Michigan football program into immediate turmoil:
- Interim Coach: Veteran assistant and former Charlotte Head Coach Biff Poggi was immediately appointed as the interim head coach to stabilize the program as they prepare for their bowl game.
- Coaching Search: Athletic Director Warde Manuel must now quickly begin a search for a permanent successor to Moore. Candidates for high-profile positions often include current head coaches like Kalen DeBoer (Washington), Jedd Fisch (Arizona), and Kenny Dillingham (Arizona State), or other top-tier assistants.