Sherrone Moore was chosen by Michigan to succeed Jim Harbaugh as the school’s football coach more than seven months ago, but Moore is still unsigned.

Moore was identified as one of just a few college football coaches nationwide without a long-term contract by USA Today when they broke the story last week. A memorandum of understanding for a five-year, $30 million contract was signed by Moore and Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel in January. The framework was designed to act as a temporary stopgap for universities trying to make hires swiftly.

In collegiate athletics, memorandums of understanding (MOUs) are frequently signed by coaches prior to finalizing signed contracts that contain more detailed wording. It took some time for Moore’s representative to respond to a message.

The MOU, dated January 26, 2024, states, “This offer is contingent upon executing a full employment agreement within 90 days of signing this.” The standoff persists as Michigan prepares to meet No. 3 Texas on Saturday (12 p.m., FOX), as Manuel acknowledged during an appearance this week on the “Conqur’ing Heroes” podcast. The 90-day deadline of April 25 passed without a contract being signed by both parties. A few of Michigan assistants are still bound under MOUs.

Manuel stated, “They are being worked on as we speak.” “A few of the assistant coaches have contracts that I have signed.” Not only did we undergo a transition in football, but we also underwent one in basketball. We are currently handling issues with the NCAA and our apparel provider, and we may welcome Legends as early as this Saturday. The contracts require time, among other things.

Following the signing of an MOU in January, it took Michigan and Harbaugh more than nine months to complete the contract.

The news that Moore and Michigan are still in dispute over a contract comes at a time when both parties have spent the last few years dealing with NCAA investigations. Moore was placed on probation along with the football team after he was found guilty of recruiting infractions dating back to 2021 and receiving a Level II sentence.

A second, independent NCAA investigation into a purported sign-stealing scam and potential infractions related to advanced scouting is ongoing in the meantime. Moore is thought to have been charged with a Level II infraction and with deleting a text exchange with Connor Stalions, the former employee at the center of the dispute, in a draft Notice of Allegations that Michigan received last month.

Moore may be branded a “repeat violator” and subject to appropriate punishment if it is discovered that he has broken NCAA regulations once again.

“Things just don’t happen overnight, and certain things have emerged,” Manuel remarked. However, they are being addressed. Sherrone is aware of our dedication to him, just as we are aware of his dedication to us. The assistant coaches also share this knowledge.

Moore’s non-contract status hasn’t been a problem for either party, according to Manuel, “but we’re working through it.” And hopefully, we’ll be finished with them shortly.

“However, the memorandum of understanding outlines nearly everything that is in the contract and is a legal document that does bind us and them to it,” Manuel went on. It’s merely a lengthy form with additional information and scenarios. But hear me out: I’m thrilled with him and our team, and I look forward to getting that signed and having the situation resolved.