The stories of the firing of Michigan's Sherrone Moore and Ohio University's Brian Smith have shocked fans of both programs. Smith was fired by Ohio University on December 17, 2025, for "serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the University." He admitted to engaging in an affair with an undergraduate student at the school. Moore was fired on December 10, 2025, amid allegations of his own "inappropriate" relationship with a member of the program's staff, whom he has also reportedly assaulted. But the pair are part of a long line of shocking sports firings that have dogged the athletic world for years. Keep scrolling to read more about surprise firings in the world of college and professional sports. Former Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh Breaks Silence on Sherrone Moore Scandal Brian Smith Brian Smith Ed Mulholland/Getty Images Smith was placed on administrative leave in early December 2025 and officially fired by Ohio University on December 17, 2025, after the school determined he was guilty of "engaging in serious professional misconduct and participating in activities that reflect unfavorably on the University." Smith and his ex-wife finalized their divorce on December 9, 2025, according to court filings. On December 18, 2025, multiple outlets reported legal records indicate Smith had an extramarital affair with an undergraduate student. Per USA Today, Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez wrote in a letter obtained by the outlet that the affair was largely carried out at the Ohio University Inn, and the student's family members were aware of the dynamic. "He (Smith) is shocked and dismayed by this turn of events, and we plan to fight this wrongful termination to protect his good name," attorney Rex Elliott said in the statement. "Coach Smith is an ethical man who has done an exemplary job for the University. He wants nothing but the best for the players, coaches, and the entire Bobcat community." Sherrone Moore Sherrone Moore Luke Hales/Getty Images The University of Michigan fired Moore on December 10, 2025, amid allegations he had an "inappropriate" relationship with a staff member. "U-M head football coach Sherrone Moore has been terminated, with cause, effective immediately," Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel announced in a press release. "Following a University investigation, credible evidence was found that Coach Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member," the statement continued."This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior." More information was released about the nature of the allegations against Moore, who was in his second season as head coach, in the days that followed. Moore reportedly broke into the home of the staff member in question the day he was fired and allegedly picked up butter knives and threatened to hurt himself. "[The staff member] indicated that she was approximately 5 feet from the door when he made entry," court records explained. "She advised that she began backing up and as he was approaching her. [She] advised that Moore grabbed two knives out of her drawer and pointed them at her, 'You ruined my life. You ruined my life.'" Moore allegedly backed her "towards the living room" while still holding the knives. After the woman successfully got her attorney on the phone, Moore reportedly "backed up and turned the knives on himself, pointing them at his neck, saying that he was going to kill himself and that she was going to watch." Moore was charged with one count of third-degree felony home invasion, one count misdemeanor stalking related to a domestic relationship and one count misdemeanor breaking and entering on December 12, 2025. Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit later explained the charges against Moore in a statement to the Free Press on December 13, 2025. "The evidence that is available at this time indicates that Mr. Moore had an intent to terrorize and harass the victim - which is the basis for the stalking charge," Savit said. "Given that his statements were those of self-harm, however, there was not sufficient evidence to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, an intent to assault or batter the victim." Hulk Hogan Hulk Hogan Julio Aguilar/Getty Images In July 2015 multiple outlets published leaked audio from Hulk Hogan's 2012 unauthorized sex tape in which he allegedly expressed frustration over his daughter, Brooke, dating a Black man. Hogan was accused of using the n-word multiple times and describing himself as "racist, to a point." (Hogan later won a $115 million judgment against Gawker over the unauthorized publication of his sex tape in 2016.) Hogan was released from his contract with WWE shortly thereafter. "WWE terminated its contract with Terry Bollea (a.k.a. Hulk Hogan)," a company representative told Us at the time. "WWE is committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds as