The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1542067
8 THE WOLVERINE ❱ JANUARY 2026 T he end arrived rapidly, mer- cilessly, and in stunning fashion. Sherrone Moore might have been laboring away in the big office at Schembechler Hall, preparing to take on Texas in a bowl game. Instead, he sat alone in a small jail cell, bound and in- structed by a judge as to precisely what he would and would not do in the days and weeks ahead. The Michigan head football coach enjoyed the greatest summit one can climb in his chosen sport. He'd ridden with the rest to a 15-0 dream season in 2023, a key cog in arguably the best team U-M ever produced. Months later, he slid behind the driver's seat of the Wolverines' lux- ury machine, directing one of the most spotlighted, scrutinized and glamorous programs in all of sport. Now he'd thrown it all away. The $6 million-a-year job — gone. Fired for cause. The "inappropriate relationship" with a staff member — which rendered his parting from Michi- gan penniless in terms of compensation — exploded into international news. His freedom — taken away for days and possibly more, given the felony home invasion, misdemeanor stalking and misdemeanor breaking and entering charges against him. Moore, his wife and three young daughters, are left to pick up whatever pieces can be salvaged. It's a drama as old as human history, a cautionary tale of terrible decisions producing horrific consequences. Rarely does it take place on a stage this im- mense, and with scrutiny this intense. But the air gets thin at this height. Se- rious missteps aren't recoverable. One can argue that had Michigan knocked off Ohio State some 11 days earlier and made the College Football Playoff, this drama might have at least been delayed. Winning covers a host of indiscretions, across politics, business and sport. This defeat remains permanent. There exists a fix, possibly a quick one, on the Michigan football side of the ledger. The right hire — whether it be Alabama's Kalen DeBoer, Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham, Washington's Jedd Fisch, the Los Angeles Chargers' defen- sive coordinator Jesse Minter or some- one else of similar ability and stability — could right a talented U-M ship quickly. Fixing the crash that caused the hole, well, that's another story. In a season where "peace on earth" gets much at- tention, we can only hope it's found by those hurt so badly here. * * * Crisler Center stands mere steps from Michigan Stadium, but it's a whole world away right now. Dusty May's Wolver- ines have rampaged to a 10-0 record and No. 1 ranking in the nation across a host of outlets, including the USA Today Coaches Poll. The Wolverines exploded in earnest at the Players Era Champion- ship in Las Vegas, destroying San Diego State (94-54), No. 21 Auburn (102-72) and No. 12 Gonzaga (101-61) by a jaw-drop- ping combined differential of 110 points. How inspiring were they? Well, they had television game commentators Chris Webber and Jalen Rose referring to Michi- gan as "us," and projecting a Final Four and possible national championship run by May's marauders. Gonzaga's Mark Few, absorbing the worst defeat of his il- lustrious coaching career, wasn't in position to argue. "Listen, guys, we just got abso- lutely throttled," Few said after- ward. "I've never been involved with anything like that." Michigan is involved, right now, in a season that could rival the best John Beilein put forward, and one that has the Fab Five giving standing ovations. The Wolverines are 2-0 in the Big Ten, hammering Rutgers and Maryland by a combined 59 points. May stands perfectly suited for coaching in this era. His talent collection in a time when dramatic roster remakes occur annually, is nothing short of spectacular. His style of basketball both entertains onlookers and overwhelms oppo- nents. His approach with players — honest, no-nonsense, always seeking their betterment — attracts tal- ent like salmon to grizzly bears. There's something else, and it's not insignificant, even in a bottom-line business. May treats people incredibly well. From players, to fans, to the lap- top dust-stained wretches of the me- dia. He's open, helpful, and respectfully kind beyond expectation. In short, if there's a way to sign this guy to a lifetime Michigan contract, do it. Meanwhile, enjoy the ride. * * * Brandon Naurato's hockey team, No. 1 itself in the USCHO Hockey poll, is melting the surface at Yost Ice Arena and beyond. The Wolverines are 16-4, featuring the hottest goalie in the na- tion, freshman Jack Ivankovic, and one of college hockey's top goal scorers in sophomore Will Horcoff. Michigan plays a smothering brand of defense, backed ably by Ivankovic's net wizardry. Could there be a Final Four/Frozen Four combo in store for Michigan fans next spring? Don't bet against it. ❏ WOLVERINE WATCH ❱ JOHN BORTON End Of A Run, And Two No. 1's Sherrone Moore's stunning exit from Michigan occurred less than two years after his promotion to head coach. The disturb- ing details of his personal actions and subsequent arrest follow- ing his firing made for ugly headlines for the university. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL Senior writer John Borton has been with The Wolverine since 1991. Contact him at jborton@thewolverine.com and follow him on X (Twitter) @JB_Wolverine.