Michigan coach Sherrone Moore’s full employment contract protects Moore from being fired for cause for NCAA violations that occurred before the contract took effect.
Moore’s five-year contract, released Monday by the university, states that a violation of NCAA rules that occurred prior to the effective date of the deal would not be grounds for termination for cause as long as the university had “actual knowledge of the facts or alleged facts that are the basis for the violation prior to the execution of this agreement by all parties.”
Moore faces a Level II charge from the NCAA for allegedly deleting text messages he exchanged with Connor Stalions, the former Michigan staffer at the center of the NCAA’s scouting and sign-stealing investigation. The NCAA sent Michigan a formal notice of allegations last month, setting up a potential ruling from the Committee on Infractions that could come after the season.
The contract states Moore could be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension without pay, for violations of NCAA rules. The contract also says he could be fired for cause if the university discovers additional violations that were not disclosed prior to the signing of the deal.
Before signing his full contract, Moore was working under a memorandum of understanding that he signed in January. The MOU was contingent on executing a full employment agreement within 90 days, but finalizing the full contract took closer to nine months.
The full contract, which was signed Sept. 6, calls for Moore to earn an average of $5.7 million over five years. He’s also eligible for a $500,000 retention bonus at the end of each contract year.
If Moore is fired without cause, Michigan would owe him 75 percent of the remaining value of the contract, though the buyout would be reduced if Moore finds another job. Moore would owe Michigan a $5 million buyout if he leaves voluntarily during the first year of the deal, with the amount decreasing by $1 million in each year of the contract.
The Wolverines are 2-1 and ranked No. 18 in Moore’s first season as head coach, with a quarterback change in the works ahead of Saturday’s visit from No. 11 USC.
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