Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore could face suspension as sign-stealing scandal looms, NOA says: reports

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There is a chance that the reigning college football champions could begin the season without their head coach for the second year in a row.

According to reports, a notice of allegations (NOA) says Michigan's new head coach, Sherrone Moore, violated NCAA rules related to the investigation into the football program's sign-stealing scandal.

Moore, who replaced Jim Harbaugh after he went to the Los Angeles Chargers, is reportedly accused of deleting more than 50 text messages with Connor Stalions – the former low-level recruiting staffer who coordinated an off-campus, advanced-scouting operation – around the time the investigation was opened.

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Sherrone Moore (Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images/File)

The reported NOA says Moore is accused of committing a Level 2 violation; Level 1 is the most serious.

"Our athletic department and university continue to cooperate with the NCAA regarding our ongoing investigation," Michigan said in a statement to the Associated Press. "We do not have an update to share regarding its status at this time."

Moore, 38, was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach when Harbaugh left Michigan for Los Angeles to become coach of the Chargers shortly after leading the Wolverines to their first national title since 1997.

Moore filled in as acting head coach four times last season while Harbaugh served suspensions, winning all four games, including the season finale against rival Ohio State.

Harbaugh has denied any knowledge of impermissible scouting while he was with the program, though he could face Level 1 violations.

Jim Harbaugh (Justin Casterline/Getty