Lead: Jim Harbaugh, now head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, addressed his recent communications with former Michigan assistant Sherrone Moore on the Dan Patrick Show after Moore was fired and later arrested. Harbaugh, whose Chargers sit 10-4 in his second NFL season, described Moore’s situation as a tragedy and said he has exchanged texts with Moore since the arrest. He also reiterated he is not involved in Michigan’s search for a new head coach while preparing for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. Michigan, meanwhile, is weighing replacements ahead of the Citrus Bowl against Texas on Dec. 31 in Orlando.
Key Takeaways
- Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers are 10-4 in his second season, placing them in likely playoff contention.
- Harbaugh spoke on the Dan Patrick Show (Tuesday) about Sherrone Moore, who was fired for cause and later arrested on a felony home-invasion charge.
- Harbaugh said he has not spoken with Moore since early December but has exchanged text messages with him after the arrest.
- Harbaugh described Moore’s circumstances as “a tragedy” and urged Moore to prioritize family and spiritual guidance.
- Michigan is conducting a search for its 22nd head coach and will play Texas in the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31 in Orlando, Fla.
- Moore worked six seasons under Harbaugh (2018–23) in roles including tight ends coach, offensive line coach, offensive coordinator, and was promoted to head coach in Jan. 2024.
- Harbaugh has publicly stated he is not participating in Michigan’s coaching search and is focused on the Chargers’ upcoming game.
Background
Sherrone Moore rose through Michigan’s staff across six seasons beginning in 2018, moving from tight ends coach (2018–20) to offensive line coach (2021–23) and then offensive coordinator. Following Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL after the 2023 season, Moore was promoted to head coach in January 2024; reporting later indicated Harbaugh had supported Moore’s elevation and sought a contract clause naming him a potential “coach in waiting.”
Michigan announced Moore’s firing for cause after an internal review found he had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, and subsequent reporting states Moore was arrested and jailed on a felony home-invasion charge. The developments left the Wolverines without a head coach as they prepare for a high-profile postseason game and begin a national search for their 22nd head coach.
Main Event
On Tuesday’s Dan Patrick Show, Harbaugh addressed his relationship with Moore since the incidents became public. He said he had not spoken directly with Moore since early December but confirmed some text exchanges after Moore’s arrest. Harbaugh framed his messages as personal and supportive, encouraging Moore to look after his family and seek spiritual counsel.
Earlier, in a press conference the prior Friday — before the Chargers’ 16–13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs — Harbaugh said he was still processing the news and called the situation tragic. He reiterated that his responsibilities to the Chargers require full attention, especially with upcoming NFC matchups and an eye toward the postseason.
Michigan’s athletic department has begun a head-coaching search, according to public reports; Harbaugh stated he is not involved. Campus and program priorities now include both securing leadership for the long term and maintaining preparation for the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31 in Orlando, where the Wolverines will face Texas.
Analysis & Implications
The immediate effect on Michigan is managerial and reputational: a sudden vacancy at the top of a major college program forces an expedited search while the team prepares for a bowl game. That compressed timeline increases the likelihood the university will consider internal continuity candidates to stabilize recruiting and player preparation through the postseason.
Harbaugh’s public distancing from the search underscores the separation between his NFL role and Michigan’s choices, even though he played a notable role in Moore’s earlier promotion. Athletic departments often face scrutiny when departures or firings of prominent assistants follow high-profile incidents; Michigan will need transparent, documented steps to maintain donor and public confidence.
From a legal and personnel perspective, Moore’s arrest and the “for cause” designation complicate contract and severance issues, as well as potential NCAA or institutional reviews. The university must balance due process with campus safety and Title IX-related protocols while legal proceedings unfold.
For the Chargers and Harbaugh personally, the situation presents reputational sensitivity but limited operational impact. Harbaugh’s emphasis on focusing on his team reflects normal NFL practice: coaches must shield day-to-day team work from off-field controversies to preserve competitive results and clubhouse stability.
Comparison & Data
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chargers record (Harbaugh, 2nd season) | 10–4 |
| Recent game | Beat Kansas City 16–13 (Sunday) |
| Moore at Michigan | 2018–2024 (6 seasons), promoted Jan. 2024 |
| Next Michigan game | Citrus Bowl vs. Texas, Dec. 31, Orlando, Fla. |
The table places key dates and results in context: Harbaugh’s Chargers are positioned for postseason play at 10–4, while Michigan must manage coaching continuity ahead of a major bowl on Dec. 31. Moore’s six-year rise through the staff and promotion in January 2024 are central to understanding internal expectations and the shock of his dismissal.
Reactions & Quotes
Harbaugh has framed his responses as personal outreach rather than institutional involvement. He described the situation as emotionally difficult while stressing his professional priorities.
I still don’t have my head wrapped around it. It’s a tragedy, and just praying for all concerned. I love my alma mater. Love Michigan. But I love the Chargers, too…
Jim Harbaugh (Dan Patrick Show / press remarks)
On the subject of his communications with Moore, Harbaugh said his messages were meant to offer support and counsel.
Keep it together, and take care of your family. That’s the message, and getting spiritual guidance. That’s really critical.
Jim Harbaugh (Dan Patrick Show)
Harbaugh also made clear he is not part of Michigan’s coaching search, underlining the separation between his NFL duties and the university’s hiring process.
No, I’m not. All focus is on the Dallas Cowboys.
Jim Harbaugh (press conference)
Unconfirmed
- Details of the alleged inappropriate relationship beyond the university’s summary remain private and have not been publicly substantiated in full.
- Specific motives or circumstances of the home-invasion charge are not yet confirmed in public court records beyond the reported charge.
- Whether additional criminal or institutional charges will follow has not been publicly disclosed.
Bottom Line
The intersection of legal, personnel and reputational issues means Michigan faces immediate operational challenges while seeking long-term leadership. Harbaugh’s public outreach to Moore is personal and limited; he has repeatedly emphasized he will not engage in Michigan’s coaching search and is focused on his NFL team.
University leaders must balance transparent process, player welfare and legal constraints as they identify a successor before recruiting cycles and bowl responsibilities proceed. For fans and stakeholders, the near-term priorities are program stability for the Citrus Bowl and a methodical, well-documented coaching search to restore institutional confidence.