The pressure in Ann Arbor is hitting a breaking point on Saturday, and now Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore finds himself at the center of controversy. What began as mounting frustration over the Wolverines’ stagnant offense boiled over during a sluggish first half against Northwestern, a half in which Michigan managed just seven points and looked out of rhythm.
The performance sparked immediate criticism of Moore’s play-calling, and by the time the teams headed to the locker room, the conversation had already shifted toward his job security amongst the fan base.
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Fans Call for Sherrone Moore’s Job
Reports and speculation quickly escalated, with many questioning whether Moore’s offensive approach should finally cost him his position and whether Michigan would move on from its second-year head coach sooner than expected.
On Saturday, Michigan led Northwestern at halftime, 7-6, but when you’re the Head Coach for the Wolverines, that means the highest expectations come with the job. Several Wolverine fans on X are calling for Moore’s job.
One fan said, “I think Sherron Moore should be fired.”
I think Sherrone Moore should be fired
— Dave Anderson (@MaizeRage) November 15, 2025
Another wrote, “Please fire Sherrone Moore @UMichFootball. He is very stupid.”
Please fire Sherrone Moore @UMichFootball. He is very stupid
— 2 TVs Evan, Esq. (@eribeaux) November 15, 2025
One fan pointed out something that resonates with many fans, writing, “Sherrone Moore might be one of the worst play callers in CFB.”
Sherrone Moore might be one of the worst play callers in CFB
— szn (@CatsSzn_) November 15, 2025
One fan spoke about how they have moved on from Moore’s coaching, writing, “Im beyond over Sherrone Moore as Michigan HC.”
Im beyond over Sherrone Moore as Michigan HC
— Robert (@RobertPorubsky) November 15, 2025
Moore is officially 16-7 in three seasons of coaching, though 15 of those wins came during his two full seasons, with the extra victory coming in spot duty for Jim Harbaugh. With such limited experience yet a genuinely solid record, the calls for Moore’s job already feel more than a little premature.
The Cost and Consequences of a Potential Moore Firing
Moore’s contract pays him $5.5 million in base salary plus additional annual compensation through 2029, along with a $500,000 retention bonus each year. His buyout is set at 75% of his remaining base and supplemental pay, meaning Michigan would owe him roughly $16.5 million if he were fired during the 2025 season, or about $12.375 million if they moved on after this year.
But the biggest complication in parting ways with Moore isn’t the money; it’s the potential ripple effect on the roster. A coaching change could prompt key players, including stars like freshman QB Bryce Underwood, to explore the transfer portal.
In today’s college football landscape, much like the pros, programs almost have to gauge the reaction of their top talent before making a major move on the coaching staff.
The potential roster turnover, combined with the cost of firing Moore, doesn’t make much sense this early in his tenure. Especially considering he currently has Michigan at 7-2, on the brink of a possible CFP appearance, and still alive in the Big Ten Championship race: with an 8.87% chance of reaching the conference title game and a 38.01% chance of making the CFP, according to PFSN’s CFB Playoff Meter.
Coaching at a storied program like Michigan comes with intense pressure, especially following a national championship and the Harbaugh era. Still, at this point, fans should give Moore a bit more time to prove himself.
