Sherrone Moore Plea Deal: Fired Michigan Coach Avoids Felony, Pleads No Contest to Two Misdemeanors
Sherrone Moore, the former University of Michigan head football coach fired in December after an inappropriate relationship with his executive assistant, has resolved his criminal case. Moore pleaded no contest Friday, March 6, to two misdemeanor charges, avoiding a potential five-year prison sentence as the original felony and two other misdemeanor counts were dropped entirely.
What Sherrone Moore Pleaded No Contest To
Moore pleaded no contest to malicious use of a telecommunications device involving a domestic relationship — punishable by up to six months in jail — and trespassing, punishable by up to 30 days in jail. The three charges he was initially issued — third-degree home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering — were dismissed as part of the deal.
Moore said nothing in court or outside it other than to enter his no-contest plea on the record. He arrived and left the courthouse holding hands with his wife, Kelli. When asked by a reporter for comment outside, he replied only: "No, I'm good. Appreciate it."
What Happened the Day Moore Was Fired
The criminal case centers on Moore's actions on December 10, 2025, the day he was fired. The university dismissed him after his executive assistant reported their inappropriate relationship to the school. Moore then drove to the woman's apartment. Prosecutors said he grabbed several butter knives and a pair of kitchen scissors from a drawer and threatened to harm himself before leaving when the woman threatened to call her lawyer and police.
Earlier that day, Moore's wife Kelli called 911 out of fear he might harm himself after he told her he had been fired and was "in crisis." Moore was released on a $25,000 bond, ordered to wear a GPS tether, undergo mental health treatment, and have no contact with the woman.
Moore's Defense Team Calls Outcome a Vindication
Moore's attorney Ellen Michaels said outside the courthouse: "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."
Michaels said she advised Moore to plead no contest due to potential civil litigation and to help him move on. "He has had the opportunity to be with his daughters, to be with his wife, to be home for the holidays, to take his kids to swim lessons," she said. "As somebody who's come up the coaching tree and became a head coach at a young age, that is something that he has missed out on."
The Victim's Attorneys Respond — Call on Michigan to Investigate
Attorneys for Moore's executive assistant called on the University of Michigan to conduct a wide-ranging investigation into Moore's actions and any related institutional conduct after the plea deal was announced.
Prosecutors said in a statement: "The plea agreement was reached following evaluation of the factual, evidentiary, and legal circumstances — and the overarching need for accountability and public safety."
Sentencing, Michigan Football Career, and What Comes Next
Moore is scheduled to be sentenced at 2 p.m. on April 14. He compiled a 16-8 record over two seasons as Michigan's head coach and the first Black head coach in the program's history, succeeding national champion Jim Harbaugh. He signed a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually — and was fired for cause, meaning the university did not owe him a buyout.
Michigan has since hired former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham to lead the Wolverines football program.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor, free and available 24 hours a day.
