Michigan’s Sherrone Moore Takes Over as Head Coach Amidst Ongoing NCAA Investigations
Michigan football has found its new head coach in Sherrone Moore, who will be taking over from Jim Harbaugh. Moore, who previously served as the offensive coordinator, stepped up as acting head coach during the 2023 regular season and led the team to an impressive 4-0 record. Now, he will be leading the Wolverines at a time when the program is facing two ongoing NCAA investigations.
The first investigation revolves around illicit recruiting and coaching during the COVID-19 dead period. Michigan received a formal notice of allegations for this case in December 2023. The school self-imposed penalties, including a three-game suspension for Harbaugh and a one-game suspension for Moore, to mitigate potential fallout. However, the NCAA Committee on Infractions rejected a negotiated resolution proposal, meaning the case will go through the NCAA’s judicial process.
The second investigation is centered around prohibited off-campus scouting and sign-stealing. While the NCAA has yet to issue an official notice of allegations, reports suggest that more violations are on the horizon. If any assistant coaches, including Connor Stalions who allegedly guided the prohibited scouting operation, are charged with Level I violations, Harbaugh could also be held accountable under the updated coach responsibility provision.
Harbaugh’s suspension at the end of the 2023 regular season was a result of punishment from the Big Ten for a violation of its sportsmanship policy. While Michigan could argue that the suspension serves as a mitigating factor in the case, it is officially the three-game suspension at the beginning of the season that is tied to NCAA issues.
The potential penalties for Harbaugh are significant. Individually, each investigation could have resulted in another suspension for him in the 2024 season. However, if charged as a repeat offender, Harbaugh could face additional Level I violations and potentially receive a “show-cause” punishment. This type of punishment greatly restricts a coach’s ability to work at an NCAA institution for a set period of time.
If Harbaugh were still at Michigan when receiving a show-cause penalty or suspension, the school would have been forced to decide whether to navigate an extended period of time with an interim coach or stand behind a coach who was prevented from coaching due to NCAA violations. Harbaugh’s departure for the NFL saved Michigan from making these tough choices but did not spare the Wolverines from facing punishments in both NCAA cases.
Michigan is prepared for the results of the first investigation, as they are well aware of the specific violations. With self-imposed penalties already in place, this case presents no real challenge to the team’s recent success. However, there are many unanswered questions regarding the second investigation. Will the NCAA be able to connect the alleged scheme to other members of the Michigan staff? Will any staff members still be employed when the NCAA issues a notice of allegations?
The school has already seen some staff shake-ups, with Stalions resigning and linebackers coach Chris Partridge being fired. While Michigan did not comment on Partridge’s firing, it coincided with the school backing down from its legal challenge to Harbaugh’s late-season suspension. Whether these changes are directly related to the scandal remains unclear.
Michigan can take some comfort in knowing that the NCAA’s approach to punishments has softened in recent years, particularly when it comes to impacting current players. While there may be some penalties for the coaching staff, it is unlikely to heavily impact the current or future Wolverines.
The biggest concern for Michigan is the possibility of vacated wins. The extent of the evidence is unknown until the notice of allegations is released, but the school will likely do everything in its power to prevent its championship run from being tarnished in the record books. Michigan will argue that any edge gained from the prohibited scouting was not significant enough to cast doubt on their results, pointing to their success against tough opponents late in the 2023 season.
As Moore takes over as head coach, he will have to navigate these ongoing investigations and lead Michigan through whatever punishments or penalties come from the NCAA. The Wolverines’ future hangs in the balance as they await resolutions for these cases.