Former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore made a defiant return to the courtroom on Thursday, as his legal team launched a blistering defense against the criminal charges that have derailed his career. Accompanied by his wife, Kelli, Moore appeared in person before Judge J. Cedric Simpson at the Washtenaw County courthouse to address charges of felony third-degree home invasion, stalking, and illegal entry. The hearing marked the first significant move by the defense to have the case dismissed, with Moore’s attorney, Ellen Michaels, declaring that her client is a victim of a "distorted" narrative.

The legal battle stems from a chaotic series of events on Dec. 10, 2025, the same day Moore was fired "with cause" by the university. According to authorities, Moore entered the apartment of a female staff member with whom he allegedly had a multi-year "inappropriate relationship." Prosecutors allege that Moore, distraught over his firing, grabbed kitchen scissors and butter knives while threatening to kill himself, reportedly telling the woman, “My blood is on your hands.” However, in a new motion to quash the arrest warrant, Michaels argued that the prosecution's case is built on misinformation provided by the woman’s personal attorney to "maximize the chances of obtaining a large settlement from the deep pockets of the University of Michigan."

While Michaels did not dispute that Moore visited the woman’s residence, she argued there was no evidence he had been told to stay away or that he was a danger to anyone but himself during a mental health crisis. The defense filing claims that police wrongly informed the magistrate who signed the arrest warrant that Moore had been stalking the woman for months. Michaels told reporters outside the courthouse that the warrant was "not supported by law" and that the "truth will come out in court, under oath, where it belongs."

Moore, 39, remains free on a $25,000 bond, though he is currently required to wear a GPS tracking device and undergo regular mental health treatment. The university’s dismissal letter previously stated that Moore was terminated not only for the relationship but also for allegedly lying during the school’s internal investigation. Since his ouster, the Wolverines have entered a new era, hiring former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham to lead the program.

The legal process will intensify over the coming weeks, as the prosecution must file a response to the defense's motion by Feb. 2, 2026. A pivotal in-person hearing on the motion to quash the arrest warrant is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. While an evidentiary hearing could follow, Judge Simpson noted he would not set further dates until the outcome of the February motion is determined. Consequently, the probable cause conference has been adjourned until 9 a.m. ET on March 19, 2026.