Jim Harbaugh calls Sherrone Moore situation ‘the worst days of his life’

Jim Harbaugh says he texted Sherrone Moore after arrest, calls situation ‘a tragedy’

Former University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh has confirmed that he has been in contact with Sherrone Moore in the aftermath of Moore’s firing and arrest, describing the situation as deeply distressing for everyone involved.

Harbaugh, 61, spoke about the matter during a Tuesday, December 16 appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, revealing that he and Moore, 39, have exchanged text messages since Moore was abruptly terminated as Michigan’s head coach on December 10 and taken into custody later that same day.

“It’s a tragedy,” Harbaugh said when asked about Moore’s state of mind. “It’s the worst days of his life.”

Harbaugh said his messages to Moore have centered on staying composed and focusing on his family during the legal and personal turmoil.

“Keep it together and take care of his family — that’s the message,” Harbaugh said, adding that seeking spiritual guidance is especially important during moments like these.

Moore, who succeeded Harbaugh as Michigan’s head coach after the Wolverines’ 2023 national championship season, has been married to his wife, Kelli, since 2015. The couple share three young daughters.

Harbaugh admitted that he is still struggling to process the allegations and fallout surrounding his former assistant.

“I still don’t have my head wrapped around it,” he said. “I’m just praying for all concerned. I love my alma mater. I love Michigan.”

While acknowledging the emotional weight of the situation, Harbaugh made it clear that his focus remains on his current role as head coach of the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers. With the team preparing for a key matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, December 21, Harbaugh said he has not been involved in Michigan’s search for its next permanent head coach.

“I’d be doing a disservice if I wasn’t putting all my focus on this game,” Harbaugh said. “This is the most important game for us.”

Harbaugh first addressed Moore’s situation publicly during a press conference on December 13, saying at the time that he, like many others connected to the program, was still processing the developments.

Following Moore’s dismissal, Michigan named veteran coach Biff Poggi as interim head coach. The university has indicated it hopes to appoint a permanent replacement by the end of the month. Poggi is currently leading preparations for Michigan’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl matchup against the University of Texas on New Year’s Eve.

Poggi acknowledged that the situation has taken an emotional toll on the team, saying players initially reacted with disbelief before feeling anger and a sense of betrayal.

Moore was arrested hours after being informed of his firing, which followed an internal investigation that determined he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a football staff member. Authorities allege that Moore later broke into the staff member’s apartment and threatened to harm himself using knives found inside the residence.

He was charged with one count of third-degree felony home invasion, one count of misdemeanor stalking related to a domestic relationship, and one count of misdemeanor breaking and entering. Moore was released on a $25,000 bond, ordered to wear a GPS monitor, and instructed to have no contact with the staff member.

His next court appearance is scheduled for January 22.