College Football
Sherrone Moore Suspension: Why Michigan Delayed His Two-Game Ban
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Get to know David Evans betterPublished05 May 2025
The Sherrone Moore suspension won’t take effect until Week 3 of the 2025 season, even though Michigan has known about possible penalties for months. Moore will sit out against Central Michigan and Nebraska, but will coach the season opener and a key road trip to Oklahoma. His suspension comes as a result of the sign-stealing scandal alongside former assistant coach, Connor Stalions.
Why Michigan Delayed Sherrone Moore’s Suspension
Breaking: Michigan coach Sherrone Moore is expected to be suspended for two games for the 2025 season as part of self-imposed sanctions by the university in regards to the Connor Stalions advanced scouting scandal, industry sources tell @DanWetzel and @PeteThamel.… pic.twitter.com/U8Xd0LYRp7
— ESPN (@espn) May 5, 2025
Oklahoma, which carries major implications for Michigan’s College Football Playoff resume. It also happens to be Moore’s alma mater.
By starting the suspension in Week 3, Michigan avoids handing the team over to an interim coach during one of its toughest early tests. There’s no NCAA rule requiring suspensions begin in Week 1—especially for self-imposed ones, but this doesn’t seem to sit quite right.
It’s hard to argue this is a serious consequence when the school handpicked two low-stakes games—Central Michigan and Nebraska—for him to miss. Michigan would be heavy favorites in both regardless of who’s on the sideline. The only real disruption comes on paper.
Letting Moore coach the Oklahoma game sends the clearest message: winning comes first. Discipline comes second, and only when it’s convenient. There’s no no logistical hurdle, no NCAA directive forcing them to start the suspension in Week 3. They chose it this way.
So instead of ability, it looks like risk management. Michigan gets to say it punished Moore while protecting its shot at a marquee non-conference win and Playoff resume builder. It’s not a suspension—it’s just control.
Michigan Football Schedule 2025
| Week | Date | Opponent | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aug 30 | New Mexico | Ann Arbor, MI | |
| 2 | Sep 6 | at Oklahoma | Norman, OK | |
| 3 | Sep 13 | Central Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | Moore suspended |
| 4 | Sep 20 | at Nebraska | Lincoln, NE | Moore suspended |
| 5 | Sep 27 | BYE | ||
| 6 | Oct 4 | Wisconsin | Ann Arbor, MI | Homecoming |
| 7 | Oct 11 | at USC | Los Angeles, CA | |
| 8 | Oct 18 | Washington | Ann Arbor, MI | |
| 9 | Oct 25 | at Michigan State | East Lansing, MI | |
| 10 | Nov 1 | Purdue | Ann Arbor, MI | |
| 11 | Nov 8 | BYE | ||
| 12 | Nov 15 | at Northwestern | Evanston, IL | |
| 13 | Nov 22 | at Maryland | College Park, MD | |
| 14 | Nov 29 | Ohio State | Ann Arbor, MI | |
| 15 | Dec 6 | Big Ten Championship | Indianapolis, IN | If qualified |
Who Could Take Over While Moore Is Out?
Michigan hasn’t named a fill-in yet, but here are some likely candidates to take over during Moore’s suspension:
- Don “Wink” Martindale (Defensive Coordinator)
Brings NFL experience and leadership. Most experienced coach on staff. Logical choice if they want a steady hand. - Steve Casula (Interim Offensive Coordinator)
Recently promoted. Knows the system but lacks head coaching experience. Could handle one side of the ball if they split duties. - Ron Bellamy (WR Coach)
Former player, respected by the locker room. Longtime assistant who could be a player-friendly short-term face of the team.
Bad Optics for Wolverines
The optics aren’t great. It looks like Michigan is gaming the system—giving up two likely wins instead of sacrificing anything meaningful. That might be smart internally, but if the NCAA adds further punishment later, this self-imposed slap on the wrist won’t help much.
Bottom line: the Sherrone Moore suspension isn’t about ability. It’s about minimizing disruption and protecting their Playoff chances.
