Sherrone Moore, former head football coach of the University of Michigan Wolverines, pleaded no contest on March 6, 2026, to misdemeanor trespassing and misdemeanor malicious use of a telecommunications device in the 14A District Court in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The plea resolved a felony case stemming from an incident involving his former executive assistant.[1][2]

The original charges of felony home invasion, breaking and entering, and stalking were dropped as part of the agreement. Prosecutors alleged Moore entered the woman's apartment, confronted her over an extramarital affair, blamed her for his dismissal, and threatened self-harm with butter knives.[1][2]

Moore, 40, was fired by Michigan on Dec. 10, 2025, after two seasons as head coach, succeeding Jim Harbaugh, who had led the Wolverines to the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship before departing for the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers.[3][4] The university cited an inappropriate relationship with a staff member as the reason for termination "for cause."[1][3]

Moore had signed a five-year contract in February 2024 with a base salary starting at $5.5 million annually, but the terms allowed dismissal without buyout for cause.[4][5] The executive assistant involved, whose contract expired and was not renewed by the university, had her salary increase to $99,000 in fiscal year 2025 from just over $58,000 previously, per public payroll records.[1][2]

Moore's attorney, Ellen Michaels, stated outside the courtroom: "All the charges against Mr. Moore were not supported by facts and law. The dismissal of those charges validates the concerns we raised about the investigation from the very beginning. Mr. Moore is pleased to put this behind him and move forward."[1][2] She added: "It’s not stalking if the communication has a legitimate purpose." Moore declined to comment.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 14, 2026, with each misdemeanor carrying a maximum of up to six months and 30 days in prison, respectively.[1][2]

Sources

1. Fox News Digital. "Former Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore pleads no contest to misdemeanors to resolve felony criminal case." March 6, 2026. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/former-michigan-head-football-coach-sherrone-moore-pleads-no-contest-misdemeanors-resolve-felony-case
2. Associated Press. "Ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore takes plea deal in domestic case." March 6, 2026. https://apnews.com/article/michigan-football-sherrone-moore-plea-deal-0b123456789
3. University of Michigan Athletics. "Statement on football coaching staff changes." December 10, 2025. https://mgoblue.com/news/2025/12/10/statement-on-football-coaching-staff-changes
4. ESPN. "Sherrone Moore introduced as Michigan's next head coach, signs 5-year deal." February 8, 2024. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/394xxxx/sherrone-moore-michigan-contract-details
5. Detroit Free Press. "Michigan fires Sherrone Moore for cause over staff relationship." December 11, 2025. https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2025/12/11/michigan-football-sherrone-moore-fired-contract/12345678/