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Sherrone Moore’s dismissal from the Michigan Wolverines football program and the ongoing controversy stemming from his imprisonment Wednesday night has been a major talking point in the sports world.
Former NFL star Shawne Merriman gave her first reaction to Moore’s situation in an interview with PK Press Club Digital.
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Head coach Sherrone Moore of the Michigan Wolverines before the Northwestern Wildcats game at Wrigley Field on November 15, 2025 in Chicago. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
“At first it felt like he was being let go, and if what they were saying was true, then you would understand that. I think, for me personally, I don’t like to see people get bogged down,” he said. “Unfortunate things happen, but I don’t like to see things escalate and it seems like there’s something deeper and more serious mentally than we were all initially led to believe. When the firing happened, I was like, ‘OK, well, that’s the policy, that’s part of it. The rules are the rules and that’s what it is.’ Now it looks like, man, someone might be on the brink.
“I truly believe in mental health. I hope things aren’t quite the way they are now. But of course, when I first saw it, I said, ‘That seems about right, they have rules there.’ Now it’s like, man, someone might need help and I hope they get it.”
Moore was jailed hours after the program fired him for having an “inappropriate relationship” with a staff member. The school has made no comment on his detention.
Former NFL and Maryland Terrapins linebacker Shawne Merriman is recognized on the field for his charity Lights On Foundation during the game against the George Washington Colonials at the Xfinity Center on November 11, 2021. (Tommy Gilligan/USA Today Sports)
SHERRONE MOORE STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION, NO CHARGING DECISIONS EXPECTED SOON, PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE SAYS
Michigan will now have to find the next man for the job, which could be trickier at this point in the year.
Merriman told PK Press Club Digital he thinks a Super Bowl champion head coach could be in play.
“In my opinion, I think, I know it’s a little crazy, but I believe Jon Gruden could be (the next head coach),” he said. “I think if they pulled the trigger that way and really hit something big, I think of Jon Gruden. I know he’s come back to the sport a lot. I know he’s publicly wanted to be a coach. I think he’ll be a sensation, a big name, a great coach. And with him being more interested in the younger demographic of the media, I think he would fit in well.
“I can see Jon Gruden. They got the money. So, I think it would be a great move for them.”
Jon Gruden, then coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, during a joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams on August 18, 2021. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)
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Moore will appear in court Friday.
