Sherrone Moore Suspension: Why Michigan Delayed His Two-Game Ban

Michigan doesn’t really seem to care about fairness in this situation, and it comes across more like strategy. The school chose to suspend Moore for two less important matchups while keeping him active for the trip to Norman on Sept. 6 where they face 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 accountability, 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

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 accountability. It’s about minimizing disruption and protecting their Playoff chances.