Michigan cannot fire Sherrone Moore over knowledge of Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal

Sherrone Moore and Michigan recently agreed to a contract, and one clause in it states that the university cannot fire him as head coach for cause over his knowledge of the alleged sign-stealing scandal involving Connor Stalions.

The contract, which was obtained by USA TODAY Sports, reads that Moore’s contract may not be terminated for, “a violation of the Governing Rules which occured prior to the Effective Date, to the extent the University had actual knowledge of the facts or alleged facts that are the basis for the violation prior to the execution of this Agreement by all parties, shall not be deemed a basis for termination with cause …”

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Last month’s notice of allegations against the Wolverines noted that Moore could face suspension and a show-cause penalty after he allegedly deleted a large number of text messages between him and Stalions in October of 2023.

However, his contract does state that he may be suspended without pay or fired wtih cause “if the University determines that the Head Coach has been in a violation of the Governing Rules, whether prior to or after the Effective Date of this Agreement.”

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Moore’s contract has a start date of Jan. 27, 2024, roughly three weeks after this season’s national championship game. Michigan athletic director Warde Manual signed the contract on Sept. 6 and by president Santa Ono on Sept. 10.

Running through 2029, Moore’s base salary from the university this season is $500,000 with $5.5 million being added in “additional compensation.” He’ll also be paid an annual $500,000 retention payment if he’s the head coach through Jan. 31 every year, which is the start of each contract year. He’ll earn a 2% annual increase on his 500,000 base salary each year he stays on staff.

“We are excited to announce that the full contract for University of Michigan Football Coach Sherrone Moore has been signed by all parties,” Ono and Manuel said in a joint statement. “He is a proven leader and has been a great ambassador during his seven-plus years representing Michigan.

“Our university and athletic department leadership is behind Coach Moore, his coaching staff and the great student-athletes that compete on the field and in the classroom. We are excited to see our team take the field this Saturday against Arkansas State.”

Michigan went on to defeat Arkansas State 28-18 in a matchup that saw the Wolverines dominate the line of scrimmage early. Totaling 301 rushing yards on the day, they lead by as many as three scores before a late flurry by the Red Wolves.

The win improved the Wolverines to 2-1 under Moore’s lead this season. Looking ahead, they’re set to welcome the a USC Trojans squad to the Big House this Saturday. Kickoff for the first-time Big Ten matchup is set for 3:30 p.m. ET live on CBS.