Michigan’s coach Sherrone Moore is facing potential NCAA sanctions and a possible suspension due to a Level 2 violation. The issue arose after investigators found that Moore allegedly deleted text messages from former Wolverines staff member Connor Stalions. This development could lead to a show-cause penalty for Moore, who has been entangled in controversy surrounding Stalions, generating significant reactions across the college football community.
ESPN reports that NCAA investigators discovered Stalions had removed computer hard drives from Michigan’s football offices in October 2023. Additionally, Stalions allegedly provided a Wolverines player with a sheet of opponent play calls and disguised himself as a Central Michigan staffer during a game against Michigan State last season. Stalions, who resigned in November, was identified as the main figure behind Michigan’s sign-stealing operation.
The NCAA’s Notice of Allegations to Michigan has drawn considerable national attention. Moore is now considered a potential “repeat violator” due to previous inquiries into his alleged contact with recruits during the COVID-19 recruiting dead period. The new allegations list Moore among seven members of the 2023 football program facing scrutiny. Former head coach Jim Harbaugh, along with Chris Partridge, Denard Robinson, and Stalions, are accused of committing Level I violations. Jesse Minter and Steve Clinkscale face separate recruiting violations not directly linked to Stalions.
According to a draft of the charges obtained by ESPN, Michigan is facing a Level 1 violation, which indicates a “pattern of noncompliance within the football program.” Level I violations are deemed the most severe, as they significantly undermine the integrity of the NCAA Collegiate Model and can provide substantial recruiting or competitive advantages.
In response to these developments, Central Michigan athletic director Amy Folan addressed reports that the Chippewas were parting ways with quarterbacks coach Jake Fostner ahead of the 2024 season. Fostner, who previously worked with Harbaugh and Stalions at Michigan, was said to be moving on. Folan stated that Central Michigan does not comment on ongoing personnel matters and emphasized that the NCAA investigation is ongoing. She added that the university would continue to cooperate and looks forward to a resolution.
As of Thursday, Fostner remains listed as Central Michigan’s quarterbacks coach, and there has been no change in his role or a promotion for John Leister, Central Michigan’s director of football operations. Tony Paul of the Detroit News reported that Fostner had received a contract extension earlier this year, and Central Michigan has not confirmed any change in his current job status.
Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain also commented on the sign-stealing scandal involving Stalions. The former recruiting assistant allegedly used his own name to buy tickets for over 30 games across 11 Big Ten schools over the past three seasons.
Moore was promoted to head coach at Michigan in January, succeeding Jim Harbaugh, who left for the NFL. This marked the third consecutive offseason that Harbaugh considered leaving for professional football. Moore, who had a notable tenure as an assistant with the Wolverines, was elevated to head coach after serving as Michigan’s tight ends coach and then as the offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator.
Under Harbaugh, Michigan faced several violations, including impermissible contact with recruits during the pandemic’s dead period, a staffer engaging in prohibited on-field activities, and a “failure to cooperate” charge against Harbaugh himself. Harbaugh was suspended for several games during the 2023 season as a result. Michigan’s self-imposed three-game suspension for Harbaugh, along with further penalties for his response to the investigation, highlight the severity of the infractions.
Last January, Michigan received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA detailing four Level II violations and one Level I violation, with the most serious charge against Harbaugh being “providing false or misleading information.” Minor violations included impermissible contact with recruits and using an analyst as an on-field coach.
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