Update on Michigan football NCAA violations indicate Jim Harbaugh might be in some trouble
It’s been a whirlwind week for Michigan football.
After getting ousted in the College Football Playoff semifinal by TCU, the prevailing thought was the Wolverines would continue to add and lose pieces via the NCAA transfer portal. Then NFL jobs came calling about Jim Harbaugh. And a bombshell dropped on Thursday: Michigan is under investigation for potential NCAA violations.
Earlier reports indicated those violations were minor in nature, but there are new reports suggesting something more serious may be revealed when the NCAA reveals its charges in the coming days and weeks.
According to ESPN, Jim Harbaugh is alleged to not have been forthcoming with investigators which could carry a multi-game suspension as a punishment, should he return as head coach.
The violations include alleged impermissible contact with recruits during the NCAA-mandated dead periods, as well as the use of a defensive analyst for on-field coaching activities, a rules violation. Sources told ESPN that Harbaugh’s cooperation with NCAA enforcement staff during the investigation is also being examined. Harbaugh could face penalties that include a multigame suspension, sources said.
These reports echo what The Detroit News’ Angelique Chengelis also stated in her write-up on the matter. ($)
What’s interesting here is also the timing. Harbaugh released a statement via the football program, again reaffirming his intention to coach the Wolverines this upcoming season. While he hedged his bets, once again, by stating ‘no one knows what the future holds,’ he seems intent on remaining the head coach in Ann Arbor.
I am aware of the rumors and speculation over the past few days. College and NFL teams have great interest in all our personnel, from players to coaches to staff, and I truly believe that is a testament to the strength of our University of Michigan football program.
As I stated in December, while no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023. I have spoken with President Ono and Athletic Director Warde Manuel and appreciate their support of me and our program. Our mission as Wolverines continues, and we are preparing for the 2023 season with great passion and enthusiasm. As our legendary coach Bo Schembechler said, “Those Who Stay Will be Champions.”
More on this story as it develops.
Update:
It appears Michigan has been served a notice of allegations from the NCAA which features a Level I violation.
Michigan has received its Notice of Allegations from the NCAA. Four Level II violations and one Level I violation, a source has confirmed to @byAustinMeek and me. Yahoo first.
The Level I violation is on Harbaugh for "providing false or misleading information" to investigators.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) January 6, 2023
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