Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh will serve a three-game suspension at the beginning of the upcoming college football season as part of self-imposed penalties related to NCAA recruiting violations.
The suspension, announced on Monday, will keep Harbaugh off the sideline for Michigan’s games against East Carolina, UNLV, and Bowling Green. He will, however, be allowed to coach the team during the week, adhering to NCAA rules.
Michigan’s athletic director, Warde Manuel, stated that this announcement reflects their effort to address mistakes and cooperate with the NCAA process while supporting Coach Harbaugh and the team.
Michigan’s proposed resolution included a four-game suspension, but the NCAA committee on infractions reportedly rejected that proposal. The nature of the infractions involved impermissible communication, including text messages and calls, with high school prospects during a designated dead period for contact during the pandemic. There was also a question regarding whether a member of Michigan’s off-field football staff violated rules by providing on-the-field coaching during practice.
The NCAA’s official notice of allegations and the ultimate ruling are still pending, but Michigan’s self-imposed penalties are a proactive measure to show cooperation and mitigate potential damages of future NCAA penalties.
Harbaugh, who has an 74-25 record at Michigan, will continue to support his team and focus on the task ahead. This situation underscores the importance of adherence to NCAA regulations and the consequences of violations.
