Sherrone Moore's Michigan contract protects HC amid sign-stealing scandal | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

The new contract that Sherrone Moore and Michigan agreed to last week is reportedly intended to protect him from being fired because of his involvement in the team's alleged sign-stealing scandal that came to light last season.

Per USA Today's Steve Berkowitz and Tony Garcia, Michigan, “appear to have agreed not to fire Moore for cause given their current knowledge of Moore's involvement in the alleged sign-stealing scandal involving former football employee Connor Stalions.”

The agreement is apparently intended to ensure that Moore will not be dismissed without notice due to the facts of the case that are already known.

The NCAA sent Michigan and Moore a notice of allegations last month, saying Moore could face punishment and possibly suspension for his involvement in the scandal, according to ESPN's Dan Murphy and Pete Thamel.

The draft states that Moore allegedly deleted a thread containing 52 messages involving Stalions in October of last year, the same day the sign-stealing scandal came to light. The draft also states that Moore is accused of committing a Level 2 violation.

In addition to allegations of his involvement in the sign-stealing scandal, Moore is also viewed by the NCAA as a potential “repeat offender.” In August 2023, Moore “negotiated a resolution to allegations that he contacted recruits during a COVID-19 recruiting pause.”

Although he cannot be summarily fired due to his known involvement in the sign-stealing scandal, he can be suspended without pay or summarily fired “if the University determines that the head coach has been involved in a violation of applicable rules, whether before or after the effective date of this agreement,” the contract states.

Moore, who has been on Michigan's staff since 2018, agreed to become the Wolverines' head coach in January after Jim Harbaugh left for the Los Angeles Chargers. Although the contract lists a start date of Jan. 27, 2024, it was only signed this month by Moore and athletic director Warde Manual.

The contract, which expires in 2029, guarantees Moore a base salary of $6 million this season.

Moore and the Wolverines are off to a 2-1 start, losing to Texas between wins over Fresno State and Arkansas State. Michigan has its first Big Ten test this week when it faces USC.