Why isn’t Sherrone Moore coaching against CMU? Explaining why Michigan coach is suspended

Michigan’s Sherrone Moore isn’t on the sidelines due to a suspension from the NCAA. Biff Poggi is Michigan’s interim head coach for Saturday’s game against Central Michigan and will also be on the sideline for Michigan’s game against Nebraska on Sept. 20. Moore will be suspended for next Saturday’s game, too.

Moore was allowed to coach throughout the week, despite the suspension. His suspension triggered at midnight Saturday, according to ESPN’s Jake Trotter. 

MORE: Why was Sherrone Moore suspended? Explaining the NCAA's ban on Michigan coach for 2025 season

Why was Sherrone Moore suspended for two games in 2025?

Moore’s two-game suspension is a result of the 2023 sign-stealing scandal. Moore was reportedly in the middle of the scandal with Connor Stalions, helping Michigan steal plays. 

Moore was the offensive coordinator under former head coach Jim Harbaugh. Michigan won the national championship on Jan. 8, 2024, defeating No. 2 Washington, 34-13.

Michigan announced in May that Moore would be suspended for two games, a self-imposed penalty. Moore’s involvement seems clear, as he deleted 52 texts with Stallions, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

“Moore's suspension ties back to allegations that he deleted a thread of 52 text messages with Stalions.

“The alleged deletions came in October 2023 on the same day that media reports revealed Stalions was leading an effort to capture the playcalling signals of future opponents,” Thamel reported.

After Moore announced his self-imposed suspension, the NCAA announced its punishment in August, targeting Michigan and Moore. Michigan was fined $50,000 and 10 percent of its football budget. Moore was also suspended for Michigan’s season opener for the 2026-27 season.

Harbaugh received a 10-year show-cause penalty, prohibiting him from coaching in college football.