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Jim Harbaugh suspension: 4-game agreement with NCAA waved off, per report
By Paul Harvey
Published:
A Jim Harbaugh suspension seemed imminent earlier this offseason with reports indicating the head coach and the NCAA had reached an agreement. According to those reports, Harbaugh and the NCAA agreed to a 4-game suspension for the Michigan coach to begin the 2023 season.
However, Dan Wetzel with Yahoo! Sports reported Saturday that the deal between Harbaugh and the NCAA is being waved off. “Hurdles arose” to the agreement per Wetzel’s sources.
As a result of the agreement falling apart, Wetzel says the case will move through the NCAA’s disciplinary system, meaning the case will likely continue into the offseason and into 20224. If that is the case, Harbaugh would be able to coach every game this fall.
From Wetzel’s report:
Instead, the case will move further through the NCAA disciplinary system, almost certainly into the offseason sometime in 2024. Harbaugh is now expected to coach every game of the Wolverines’ season. Michigan opens at home on Sept. 2 against East Carolina.
According to Pat Forde with Sports Illustrated, the move means Harbaugh could receive anything from harsher to lesser penalties.
This could lead to enhanced sanctions for Harbaugh than four games, or a lesser penalty. Can’t predict how it might go.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) August 12, 2023
The previously agreed-upon suspension stemmed from alleged violations that included impermissible contact with recruits during dead periods and the use of a defensive analyst for on-field coaching. The NCAA enforcement staff reportedly alleged Harbaugh was dishonest about the recruiting violations in initial meetings with investigators.
Impact on Michigan
While the first four games of Michigan’s schedule are unlikely to trip up the Wolverines, it is a notable development. Harbaugh has arguably the most talented team of his tenure this fall, and the Wolverines have their eyes set on another B1G title while competing for a national title.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.