The contract for Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore is still "awaiting finalization at the university level," according to Fox Sports' Joel Klatt.

Klatt reported on Big Noon Kickoff that Moore signed the deal and a formal agreement is expected soon:

USA Today's Tom Schad and Steve Berkowitz first reported in August that Moore, who took over for Jim Harbaugh, was working without a contract and instead on the basis of a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

"The document outlines some of the basic parameters of Moore's future deal, including salary figures and bonus provisions" Schad and Berkowitz wrote. "But it lacks some of the specifics and legalese that often serve as the backbone of a coaching contract — such as the circumstances in which Moore, who is facing potential punishment from the NCAA as part of its investigation into an alleged sign stealing operation, could be fired for cause."

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel downplayed the significance of the revelation during an appearance on the Conqu'ring Heroes podcast (via MLive's Aaron McMann), explaining Moore's MOU and those of other coaches "are being worked on as we speak."

"I've signed a couple of the assistant coaches (to contracts)," Manuel said. "We had not only a transition in football (but) we had a transition in basketball, we're dealing with NCAA matters, we're dealing with the situation with our apparel provider and bringing on Legends as shortly as Saturday. These things take time, the contracts."

McMann noted Harbaugh and Michigan went nine months between the sides agreeing to a MOU and having an official contract in place.

The matter is complicated by the fact the NCAA named Moore in its notice of allegations centered around the sign-stealing scandal from last season. The coach is alleged to have deleted dozens of messages with Connor Stalions, the former staffer at the center of the story. He'd be a possible "repeat offender" after having already committed recruiting violations.

By allowing this to drag on, Michigan is poised to not only announce Moore's contract amid the specter of an NCAA investigation but also on the heels of what could be a deflating start to the Wolverines' national championship defense.

Michigan didn't look great in its opener, only leading Fresno State 13-3 heading into the fourth quarter before pulling away. On Saturday, it trailed Texas 24-3 at halftime after gaining 88 total yards of offense.

Fans are probably already questioning whether Moore was the right choice to succeed Harbaugh and he isn't even fully signed yet.