Michigan identifies two top candidates to replace fired coach Sherrone Moore after shock arrest and affair scandal
Share and Follow

In the wake of Sherrone Moore’s departure, Michigan has enlisted a recruitment firm to identify his successor as head football coach. The firm has reportedly reached out to representatives of Kenny Dillingham from Arizona State and Eli Drinkwitz from Missouri.

Moore’s termination came on Wednesday following an investigation that revealed an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

Just two days post-dismissal, Moore faced legal charges. Prosecutors allege he forcibly entered the residence of a woman with whom he had an affair and made threats of self-harm.

Recently, Drinkwitz secured a six-year contract, raising his average annual earnings to $10.75 million.

Michigan aims to finalize a coaching appointment this month to bolster its recruiting prospects and deter pivotal players from exiting through the transfer portal come January.

Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham

Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz

The firm hired by Michigan to find a football coach has contacted Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham (left) and Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz (right)

Moore was fired over his inappropriate relationship with a staffer before being arrested and charged with three crimes

Moore was fired over his inappropriate relationship with a staffer before being arrested and charged with three crimes

Dillingham, who is from Scottsdale, Arizona, graduated from Arizona State in 2013 and started his coaching career as an assistant for the Sun Devils.

After coaching at Memphis, he was the offensive coordinator for Auburn, Florida State and Oregon before returning to Arizona State.

Dillingham orchestrated a quick turnaround, leading the Sun Devils to the Big 12 championship and the College Football Playoff for the first time last year.

Arizona State was 8-4 this season, improving Dillingham’s record to 22-16 over three seasons.

The 42-year-old Drinkwitz is 46-28 in six seasons at Missouri after going 12-1 in a year at Appalachian State. He has built the Tigers into a steady Southeastern Conference program, earning five straight bowl bids.

On Friday, Moore was charged with breaking and entering, home invasion and stalking at his arraignment in Washtenaw County, just days after allegedly entering his assistant’s apartment, terrorizing an unnamed woman and threatening to harm himself in the wake of his firing over the affair.

Prosecutor Kati Rezmierski said Moore and the woman had been engaged in an ‘intimate relationship’ for a number of years. Magistrate Odetalla M Odetalla forbade the court from identifying the alleged victim. The 911 call that led to Moore’s arrest was made from an apartment belonging to his executive assistant, Paige Shiver.

Pittsfield, Michigan police and Washtenaw County prosecutors claimed the uninvited Moore entered a residence unarmed through an unlocked door and ‘engaged in a verbal argument with the victim that escalated.’ From there, he allegedly grabbed two butter knives and a pair of scissors while threatening to harm himself.

Moore has been married to his wife, Kelli, since 2015. They have three daughters together

Moore has been married to his wife, Kelli, since 2015. They have three daughters together

The 911 call that led to Moore's arrest was made from an apartment belonging to his executive assistant, Paige Shiver (pictured)

The 911 call that led to Moore’s arrest was made from an apartment belonging to his executive assistant, Paige Shiver (pictured)

‘I’m going to kill myself,’ Moore told the alleged victim, as claimed by assistant prosecutor Kati Rezmierski on Friday. ‘I’m going to make you watch. My blood is on your hands. You ruined my life.’

Moore allegedly fled the residence before police could arrive. He was ultimately arrested Wednesday evening at a church parking lot in a neighboring town. After his arraignment on Friday, he has bonded out of custody, court records state.

If convicted on all counts, Moore could face up to six-and-a-half years in jail and as much as $3,500 in fines, according to Washtenaw County’s Friday statement.

He was granted a $25,00 bond and ordered to wear a GPS device while continuing to undergo mental health treatment. His next court appearance is January 22.

Defense attorney Joe Simon insisted there is ‘no evidence to suggest’ his client is a threat to the public while out on bond.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Unforgettable Triumph: Steve Clarke Reflects on Scotland’s Historic Win Over Denmark

It’s been four weeks since the unforgettable night that altered everything for…

TV Journalist Tiffany Salmond Recounts Harrowing Escape from Bondi Gunmen

Former Fox Sports NRL journalist Tiffany Salmond recounted the harrowing incident when…

Sonny Bill Williams and Usman Khawaja Express Outrage Over Shocking Bondi Massacre

Sports personalities Sonny Bill Williams and Usman Khawaja have expressed their heartbreak…

Sydney Footy Community Grieves Loss of Two Cherished Members in Bondi Beach Tragedy

Two beloved figures from Sydney’s football community are being mourned following their…

John Terry Dismisses Rio Ferdinand’s Podcast Invite Amid Ongoing 14-Year Feud Over Racial Abuse Allegations

John Terry has firmly dismissed any chances of reconciling with Rio Ferdinand,…

Amir Khan Issues Dire Warning: Why Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Could Spell Disaster for Boxing’s Future

Amir Khan’s reaction was notably serious when the idea of Jake Paul…