India, Dec. 11 -- Michigan abruptly fired head coach Sherrone Moore on Wednesday, ending his tenure after internal investigators found he had engaged in an 'inappropriate relationship with a staff member'. Athletic director Warde Manuel announced the decision.

"This conduct constitutes a clear violation of university policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior," Manuel said. No further details about the alleged relationship were disclosed.

Moore's contract, a five-year deal worth $5.5 million annually, will not require a buyout because the university determined he was fired for cause. Michigan's move comes after the school and its head coach were penalized for sign-stealing. The college football's winningest program is no...