According to a report from Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is expected to be suspended for four games to begin the upcoming football season as part of a negotiated resolution with the NCAA stemming from an investigation into recruiting violations within the program.
The impending suspension would be a result of allegedly false statements that Harbaugh made to investigators looking into the program for recruiting violations committed by the coach and his staff. According to the report, Harbaugh was “dishonest” with investigators about recruiting violations, and in January, he “refused to admit” that he lied to the NCAA.
In a notice of allegations that Michigan received last year, the program was cited four Level II violations, including meeting with recruits during a COVID-19 dead period, texting a recruit outside of a permissible time period, analysts performing on-field coaching duties and coaches watching players work out over Zoom. Harbaugh acknowledged to the NCAA that violations were committed, but did not acknowledge that he was untruthful with investigators.
Along with Harbaugh’s suspension, Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore and tight ends coach Grant Newsome are also expected to receive sanctions, and former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald – now defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens under coach John Harbaugh, Jim’s brother – is expected to receive a one-year show-cause penalty.
The suspension has not been finalized yet, as it must be approved by the NCAA Committee on Infractions. If approved, Harbaugh would miss the first four games of the season – all at home – against East Carolina on Sept. 2, UNLV on Sept. 9 and Bowling Green on Sept. 16, as well as the Wolverines’ Big Ten opener against Rutgers on Sept. 23.
Harbaugh is entering his ninth season as Michigan’s coach, boasting a 74-25 record as well as a 51-17 record within the Big Ten. After losing his first five contests against Ohio State, Harbaugh and the Wolverines have taken their last two games against the Buckeyes and have won the Big Ten in each of the past two seasons.
