Former Iowa High School Football Coach Sentenced to 10 Years for Stealing League Funds

Darrell Moore pleaded guilty to stealing over $47,000 from the Dubuque Independent Football League.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A former Iowa high school football coach, Darrell Moore, received a 10-year prison sentence for stealing over $47,000 from the Dubuque Independent Football League. Moore, who was the head coach of Dubuque Senior High School, pleaded guilty to the theft and used the stolen funds for personal expenses like gambling, groceries, and travel.

Why it matters

The case highlights the importance of financial oversight and accountability in youth sports organizations, which often rely on volunteer leadership and community support. The significant theft of funds could have had a major impact on the Dubuque youth football league's ability to operate and provide opportunities for local kids.

The details

According to reports, Moore deposited the $47,360.52 in stolen funds into his personal FanDuel account and also used the money to pay for his Roku subscription, groceries, restaurant meals, gas, golf fees, online purchases, and hotel stays. As part of an original plea deal, Moore was set to receive a deferred judgment after 24 months of informal probation and pay $15,000 in restitution. However, the judge ultimately decided against the plea deal and sentenced Moore to 10 years in prison, a decision the former coach did not agree with.

  • On February 25, 2026, Darrell Moore was sentenced to 10 years in prison for stealing over $47,000 from the Dubuque Independent Football League.

The players

Darrell Moore

A former Iowa high school football coach who pleaded guilty to stealing over $47,000 from the Dubuque Independent Football League, which he used for personal expenses.

Dubuque Independent Football League

A local youth football league in Dubuque, Iowa that Darrell Moore was the president of and from which he stole over $47,000.

Dubuque Senior High School

The high school where Darrell Moore was the head football coach before his theft of funds from the Dubuque Independent Football League.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold those in positions of trust accountable when they betray the community's faith.”

— Zach Soer, New President of the Dubuque Independent Football League

What’s next

The Dubuque Independent Football League will work to implement stronger financial controls and oversight measures to prevent future theft of funds.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of robust financial management and accountability in youth sports organizations, which are often run by volunteers. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of breaching that trust and the need for diligent oversight to protect the integrity of community-based programs.