Full Breakdown
Former Michigan Coach’s Relationship with Assistant Sparks Abuse Allegations, Legal Action, and Calls for Athletic-Department Reform
4/25/2026, 4:57:56 AM
Relationship and Termination: Core Facts
Paige Shiver, a former executive assistant for the University of Michigan football program, disclosed that she had a four-year intimate relationship with head coach Sherrone Moore. The relationship began while Shiver was an intern in January 2022 and continued after Moore’s promotion to head coach in 2024, at which point Shiver became his executive assistant. Shiver reported the undisclosed workplace relationship to university officials on December 10 2025; the university terminated Moore the same day for violating policy.
Background and Power Dynamics
Moore, then the offensive coordinator, was married with three children when the relationship started. Shiver, diagnosed with Pompe disease—a rare genetic disorder that can cause progressive muscle weakness, respiratory failure, and cardiac complications—said the power imbalance made her feel that maintaining the relationship was necessary for job security. She described Moore’s control over her career, stating he could “fire me in a second.”
Timeline of Key Events
- Jan 2022: Relationship begins while Shiver is an intern.
- May 2022: Shiver discovers she is pregnant; doctors advise termination due to Pompe disease.
- July 2022: Shiver undergoes abortion.
- 2024: Moore promoted to head coach; Shiver promoted to executive assistant.
- Dec 10 2025: Shiver reports the affair; university fires Moore; Moore is arrested for trespassing and alleged home invasion at Shiver’s home.
- Mar 7 2026: Moore pleads no-contest to misdemeanor charges of malicious use of a telecommunications device and trespassing.
- Apr 14 2026: Moore sentenced to 18 months probation, a $1,000 fine, and a no-contact order.
Financial and Legal Outcomes
The university’s external investigation has cost more than $9.5 million to date. Moore faced felony charges of third-degree home invasion, stalking, and breaking-and-entering, which were dismissed in the plea deal. He was sentenced only to probation and a fine, a result Shiver described as insufficient.
Institutional Impact and Calls for Reform
Shiver’s attorneys, Andrew Stroth and Steven Hart, argued that the athletic department’s “systemic failure to comply with basic policies” created a hostile, male-dominated environment. The Faculty Senate cited the investigation’s cost and the department’s reliance on external counsel as evidence of inadequate oversight. A Senate resolution called for expanded authority for the Ethics, Integrity, and Compliance Office and for stronger Title IX compliance across all sports.
Official Statements
- University of Michigan: “The University terminated Sherrone Moore promptly upon discovering his undisclosed workplace relationship with a direct report. His conduct violated university policy, and we expect more from our leaders.” (Assistant VP Paul Corliss)
- Shiver’s legal team: “The university chose to focus solely on winning at all costs and disregarded Ms. Shiver’s safety and well-being.” (Andrew Stroth)
- Moore’s counsel: “Sherrone Moore has closed this chapter.” (Ellen Michaels)
Criticism and Opposition
The Faculty Senate’s resolution highlighted the need for internal oversight, noting that the advisory board created in 2002 limited faculty influence over athletics. Senators argued that reliance on external law firms undermined accountability and that the department must rebuild trust with staff and students.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He said, ‘You have to do what’s right for your body.’” — Paige Shiver
- “Every time I tried to pull away, he always had a story,” — Paige Shiver
- “He barges in, and he’s standing like this close to me, and he said, ‘You ruined my life.” — Paige Shiver
- “The university chose to focus solely on winning at all costs on the football field and to disregard Ms. Shiver’s safety and well-being,” — Andrew Stroth, attorney
- “Sherrone Moore has closed this chapter.” — Ellen Michaels, attorney for Sherrone Moore
What’s Next
Moore’s probation will be reviewed in October 2027, and the university has indicated it will continue the internal investigation. The Faculty Senate plans to advance its oversight proposal before the next academic senate session, aiming to strengthen Title IX compliance and prevent similar power-abuse scenarios.
