Former Michigan Coach Sherrone Moore Reaches Plea Deal in Felony Case

Former University of Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore has reached a plea agreement to resolve a criminal case involving a felony home invasion charge that surfaced shortly after his high-profile firing last December.

On Friday, March 6, 2026, Moore appeared in Washtenaw County’s 14A-1 District Court and pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges: trespassing and malicious use of a telecommunications device. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dropped more severe charges, including third-degree felony home invasion and stalking.

The Background: A Turbulent December

The legal battle followed a chaotic 24-hour period in late 2025. On December 10, the University of Michigan fired Moore "for cause," citing an investigation into an inappropriate relationship with an executive assistant. According to court documents:

• The woman involved had ended the relationship days before Moore was fired.

  
  

• Authorities alleged that hours after losing his job, Moore repeatedly contacted the woman and eventually entered her apartment without permission.

  
  

• Once inside, he reportedly confronted her about his firing and, in a moment of distress, threatened to harm himself with kitchen utensils.

  
  

The Court's Perspective

During the hearing, Judge J. Cedric Simpson noted that "things have changed" since the initial arrest. Earlier in the proceedings, Moore’s defense attorney, Ellen Michaels, had challenged the arrest warrant, arguing it was based on "distorted" information and "glaring omissions" regarding the professional nature of the relationship between Moore and the accuser.

Outside the courtroom, Michaels stood with Moore and his wife, Kelli, stating:

"The dismissal of those [felony] 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."

What’s Next for Moore?

Moore was released on bond but remains subject to sentencing on April 14, 2026. The two misdemeanors carry a maximum combined penalty of seven months in prison, though legal experts suggest probation is a common outcome for such cases.

The university has since moved on, hiring Kyle Whittingham as the permanent successor to lead the Wolverines into the 2026 season.