The reigning college football champions could begin the season without a head coach for the second straight year.
A Notice of Allegation (NOA) has reportedly alleged that the University of Michigan’s new head coach, Sherone Moore, violated NCAA rules related to the investigation into the football program’s sign-stealing scandal.
Moore, who replaced Jim Harbaugh with the Los Angeles Chargers, is reportedly accused of deleting more than 50 text messages with Connor Stallions, a former junior recruiting staffer who coordinated the team’s off-campus advanced scouting efforts, around the time the investigation began.
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Sherron Moore (Jamie Schwabelow/Getty Images/File)
According to the reported NOA, Moore is accused of committing a Level 2 violation, with Level 1 being the most serious.
“Our athletic department and university will continue to cooperate with the NCAA regarding the ongoing investigation,” the University of Michigan said in a statement to The Associated Press. “At this time, we have no updates to share regarding the status of the investigation.”
Moore, 38, was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach when Harbaugh left Michigan to take the Los Angeles Chargers’ coaching post shortly after leading the school to its first national title since 1997.
Moore served as the acting head coach four times last season while Harbaugh was suspended, winning all four games, including the season finale against rival Ohio State.
Harbaugh has denied knowing about any unauthorized scouting activity during his time with the program, but he could face a Level 1 violation.
Jim Harbaugh (Justin Castaline/Getty Images/File)
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Stallions resigned in November, about a month after the investigation began. He was initially suspended with pay by the school. He was an off-field analyst for the football team, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Despite the suspensions and hardships, Michigan defeated Washington 34-13 in the College Football Playoff.
Immediately after scoring two touchdowns in the title game, running back Blake Collum (now with the Los Angeles Rams) fought back against those who claimed the title was unfair.
“At the end of the day, what else do you want us to prove? Whatever comes out at the beginning of the season, after that people are going to say we stole a signal,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital at the time. “We went on the road and beat Penn State, Ohio State, Iowa, Alabama and Washington. Those teams are in the top 10 in every offensive and defensive category. We got the job done.”
University of Michigan Wolverines’ Blake Collum scores a touchdown against the Washington Huskies in the fourth quarter of the CFP National Championship at NRG Stadium on Jan. 8, 2024 in Houston. (Maddy Meyer/Getty Images)
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Michigan will begin its title defense against Fresno State on Aug. 31. With the Pac-12 now dissolved, the two schools are Big Ten rivals and will visit Washington on Oct. 5 in a title game rematch.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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