ESPN REPORT: The Michigan Are Now Banned For the 2024 Season Due to….
Although Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of Michigan, accepted the Big Ten’s three-game suspension for the alleged sign-stealing plot, he may yet face extra sanctions from the NCAA.
When the NCAA concludes its investigation into the sign-stealing problem and possible recruiting violations from a COVID-19 dead period in 2020, Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports and The Athletic stated that Harbaugh “could be suspended for the bulk of the 2024 season” during an appearance on Big Noon Kickoff.
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“It would not be surprising if Jim Harbaugh could be suspended for the bulk of the 2024 season, I’m told.” @BruceFeldmanCFB <a href=”https://twitter.com/BruceFeldmanCFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>Analyzes Harbaugh’s suspension and his prospects at Michigan ✇️ “pic.twitter.com/7b1A8t7UIf”><a href=”https://t.co/7b1A8t7UIf”>†
On November 10, the Big Ten first declared Harbaugh’s suspension. In exchange for taking the punishment and the Big Ten agreeing to stop looking into the sign-stealing claims, Michigan dropped a temporary restraining order application that was set to be heard on Friday.
The NCAA’s inquiry is still ongoing, despite the Big Ten’s resolution of the matter. Chris Partridge, the linebackers coach at Michigan, was fired on Friday, although Warde Manuel did not provide a rationale for the decision.
Partridge was “not alleged at this time of knowing about the advanced scouting” being done by former staff member Connor Stalions, but Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger and Dan Wetzel said Partridge acted “to cover up evidence” after learning of the NCAA inquiry.
The NCAA provided information to the University of Michigan earlier this week that alluded to Tim Smith, a school supporter known as “Uncle T,” as having contributed to the funding of Stalions’ scam, according to a different report from Dellenger.
In a phone call with Dellenger, Smith denied having anything to do with the probe.
Smith remarked, “I have some good news for you.” “I will dispute the claim that I am ‘Uncle T,’ as I don’t recognize being called that. Connor was never financed by me. It might be overstating things to claim that I knew him. I greeted him. Since he moved out of Michigan, I’ve talked to him more to make sure the young man is doing well.”
The NCAA’s evidence, according to Dellenger and Wetzel, “altered” the legal strategy for Michigan and Harbaugh.
Prior to the current season, Harbaugh was suspended for three games as part of Michigan’s self-imposed penalties meant to appease the NCAA while it looked into possible recruiting infractions.
Harbaugh is currently serving a three-game suspension, which prohibits him from attending games but permits him to coach the Wolverines during the week. Next Saturday’s regular-season finale against Ohio State is when his ban is expected to end.
If Harbaugh is suspended by the NCAA, it could improve his prospects of getting back into the NFL. If the Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders decide to replace their current head coach, the 59-year-old has already been connected to both teams.
Josh McDaniels was previously fired by the Raiders, and Antonio Pierce was appointed head coach in an acting capacity for the balance of the season. With the Bears, Matt Eberflus has a 6-21 record in two seasons.
Throughout his nine seasons at Michigan, Harbaugh has an 81-25 record. He has guided the team to two consecutive Big Ten championships and could win a third this season.
Harbaugh had a great four-year NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers before joining the Wolverines. With three postseason appearances, including a trip to Super Bowl 47, he went 44-19-1.
The most recent contract Harbaugh signed with Michigan was in February 2022, and it keeps him with the team until the 2026 campaign. In the midst of the sign-stealing probe, the school reportedly canceled another offer of a contract extension; however, Harbaugh refuted that story.
