As part of the NCAA’s notice of allegations regarding alleged recruiting violations, Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, is facing a Level I violation.
After receiving allegations from the NCAA regarding coaching activities and illegal on- and off-campus recruiting during the COVID-19 dead period, the university decided to self-impose a three-game suspension on Harbaugh for the start of the 2023 football season.
Four Level II charges concerning “impermissible contact with recruits and analysts performing coaching duties” were also included in the notice. There has apparently been a negotiated resolution between the university and the NCAA regarding those Level II violations, which are regarded as less serious.
The NCAA claims that Harbaugh misled investigators about the Level I violation against him. The head coach and the university are still disputing the accusation.
The university suspended Harbaugh for the first three games of the season in an attempt to mitigate any penalties the NCAA might levy. The NCAA will conduct its investigation, reach a decision, and then decide whether to accept the three-game suspension as adequate punishment.
Michigan has ninety days to reply to the allegations notice.
The Big Ten Conference suspended Harbaugh for three games near the end of the regular season due to a scandal involving sign-stealing and in-person scouting; these allegations have nothing to do with the NCAA. The NCAA is still looking into the matter, while the Big Ten has wrapped up its investigation.
