BREAKING: Michigan turmoil puts spotlight on staffer Paige Shiver, as Moore is fired for cause
The University of Michigan fired head football coach Sherrone Moore on December 10, for cause, after an internal investigation found an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. I have confirmed the dismissal and the language used by the school. The staff member has not been named. Attention has turned to Paige Shiver, the executive assistant to the head coach. Her role places her close to daily operations. Her involvement has not been confirmed. That detail matters.
What we know right now
- Moore was dismissed for cause after an internal review. Michigan used that specific term.
- The university has not identified the staff member.
- Paige Shiver serves as executive assistant to the head coach. She moved into that role in 2024.
- Shiver’s social media accounts were made private or deactivated within hours of the news.
- University salary records show Shiver’s pay rose from roughly 58,000 to about 90,000 in the last cycle.
- Biff Poggi has been named interim head coach.
I have seen no public record of charges tied to Moore as of this report. Officials have not shared details on any law enforcement action.
Rumors are not facts. There is no official confirmation that Shiver is the staff member referenced in the investigation.
What is rumor, and what is not
The internet raced ahead of the facts. Claims of an affair are unverified. Claims of pregnancy are unverified. Michigan has not linked Shiver to the conduct at issue. Moore has not commented on the identity of the staff member. Neither has Shiver. Until the university names the staffer, all such claims are guesswork.
This matters for people and for process. Naming someone without proof does real harm. It also clouds the football focus in a key window for recruiting and bowl prep.
Wait for official releases from the university. Trust information that cites policy and process.
Policy, contract, and legal stakes
“For cause” is the heavy hammer in a coaching contract. It usually means no buyout and no parting bonus. It also signals a violation of conduct rules. Most schools bar relationships inside a chain of command. Power dynamics are at the heart of those rules. If a supervisor is involved, the risk to the university rises. That is why the response was fast.
This is an institutional case, not an NCAA case, based on what is known. There is no sign of recruiting violations or competitive issues. If more emerges, that could change the scope. For now, the core is workplace conduct, policy, and employment law.
Key point. Michigan acted under its own policies. The school has not named the staff member involved.
Football impact right now
Poggi steps in with a calm hand and deep knowledge of the building. He knows Michigan culture and Big Ten football. The immediate needs are simple. Hold the locker room. Protect the recruiting class. Keep the bowl plan on schedule.
Expect the coordinators to keep their lanes. The offensive staff must steady the call sheet and simplify the plan. That helps a shaken roster execute. Leadership from veteran players will matter. Captains and seniors set the tone in meetings and lifts. The portal window is open. Clear communication with players is vital this week.
Recruiting is the other pressure point. Early signing day sits on the calendar like a clock. Staff will work the phones, reaffirm offers, and sell stability. Families want to hear one thing. Your position coach is staying. Your development plan is safe. If Poggi can deliver that message, Michigan can limit damage.
Who is Paige Shiver within the program
Shiver has worked in Michigan football since the early 2020s. She began in on‑campus recruiting, then moved into the executive assistant role in 2024. That job is administrative but central. Calendars. Travel. Staff coordination. Access to the head coach. Her salary increase reflects a move into a higher duty position.
None of this confirms any link to the investigation. It explains why her name surfaced. It also explains why a sudden online retreat drew attention. The public wants a face to a headline. That does not make it true.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Paige Shiver the staff member involved?
A: There is no official confirmation. The university has not named the staff member.
Q: What does “for cause” mean for Moore’s contract?
A: It typically voids buyout protections. The school can withhold remaining pay.
Q: Who is coaching Michigan now?
A: Biff Poggi is serving as interim head coach.
Q: How does this affect recruiting and the bowl game?
A: Continuity is the goal. Staff will stabilize the plan and work to keep the class together.
Q: Were any charges filed against Moore?
A: None have been made public as of this report.
Conclusion
Michigan moved fast, citing policy and cause. The school has not named the staff member, and that leaves a vacuum. Paige Shiver’s role and online silence fueled questions, but facts still rule the day. The program now leans on Poggi, veteran assistants, and player leadership to keep the season on track. I will continue to report confirmed updates, protect the human cost in the margins, and keep the focus on what is real. Football and facts, nothing else. 🏈
