Michigan Football Coach Sherrone Moore is Coaching Without an Official Contract Signed

Michigan Football Coach Sherrone Moore’s Contract has been in the news lately, but the reality is that he doesn’t have one.

Michigan coach Sherrone Moore and some of his assistants are leading the Wolverines without a fully executed contract. According to USA Today, Moore has yet to sign a formal agreement with the school despite continuing to run the program.

Moore was named the successor to former head coach Jim Harbaugh, who took over as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers following Michigan’s victory in the College Football Playoff National Championship in January. At the time, a memorandum of understanding was put in place, stipulating that a full employment agreement would be executed within 90 days. However, that deadline has passed without a finalized deal.

Michigan AD Addressed Moore’s Contract Situation

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel recently addressed the situation during an appearance on the Conqu’ring Heroes Podcast, confirming that the two sides are still finalizing Sherrone Moore’s contract. Manuel reassured fans that negotiations are ongoing and that they are ironing out the remaining details of the agreement. Despite the delay, Moore continues leading the Wolverines as they prepare for the season.

“They’re being worked on as we speak,” Manuel said. “I’ve signed a couple of the assistant coaches. You know, we had a transition not only in football, we had a transition in basketball, we’re dealing with NCAA matters, we’re dealing with the situation with our apparel provider, bringing on legends as shortly as Saturday.

“These things take time, the contracts,” he continued. “I mean, they don’t just happen overnight and the things that have popped up — but they’re being worked on.”

What Problems Could Arrise With No Contract Signed?

Memorandums of understanding (MOUs) are legally binding but less robust than fully executed contracts. They often serve as temporary agreements, giving universities and coaches’ representatives time to finalize a more detailed deal.

While not ideal, it’s not uncommon for high-profile coaches at major programs to work under MOUs for extended periods, as coaching searches can be expedited compared to executive roles in the private sector. Coaches hired in December often don’t finalize their contracts until the following spring.

The issue arises when a school decides to part ways with a coach before an entire contract is signed. In such cases, the lack of a finalized agreement can complicate matters.

Kentucky encountered a similar situation when it attempted to part ways with basketball coach Billy Gillispie after just two seasons. Both sides filed lawsuits, which led to a settlement of nearly $3 million—about half of what Gillispie was owed initially under his agreement. This case highlights the potential complications that can arise when a fully executed contract is not in place, as legal disputes and settlements often become necessary to resolve such matters.

Moore Off to Solid Start

Michigan has started the Sherrone Moore era with a win, as the Wolverines secured a 30-10 victory over Fresno State last week. However, Michigan, ranked No. 10, led by just six points with 10:06 left in the game, showing that there’s still room for improvement. Next, Michigan faces a significant challenge at home against No. 3 Texas on “Big Noon Saturday.”

Moore is no stranger to stepping into the head coaching role, having served as acting coach for four games last season while Jim Harbaugh was suspended. One of those suspensions implicated Moore, related to the NCAA’s investigation into Michigan for allegedly stealing on-field signals by gaining impermissible access to opposing teams’ strategies. Neither side has commented on whether the NCAA investigation could play a role in signing the contract.