Jim Harbaugh addresses how NCAA investigation has impacted him
Jim Harbaugh is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Despite reports of a four-game suspension arising earlier this week, the Michigan head coach refused to discuss the situation at Big Ten Media Days.
“No comment on any aspect of it. I always treat everything like a football game. Every time, win or lose, I come to this podium or this stage since 1982,” Harbaugh said. “As a football player, football coach, I could lay it all out there, but this is one of those situations where I cannot do that.”
Harbaugh is understandably tight-lipped. The potential suspension is a touchy situation. The investigation began due to the 59-year-old head coach’s alleged false statements to NCAA investigators. It centered on an NCAA investigation into recent recruiting violations committed by the Wolverines’ staff members.
Potential consequences
While the final hammer has not yet fallen on Harbaugh, the consequences are understood. If Harbaugh is suspended, he can still lead practices and participate throughout the week but will be entirely excluded from gameday activities.
Harbaugh would not be the only Michigan coach to receive punishment. Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore and tight ends coach Grant Newsome would also receive one-game suspensions. The punishments could destroy the Wolverines’ season before it ever gets started. Michigan will face East Carolina, UNLV, Bowling Green and Rutgers in its four games.
Although Harbaugh refused to open up about the situation, he seemingly wanted to explain himself.
“I’m not allowed to talk about any aspect of that ongoing situation,” Harbaugh said. “I’d love to lay it all out there. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, but now is not that time.”
What we know
Harbaugh did not discuss the incident on Thursday, but he hasn’t entirely kept the conflict a mystery. Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger gave outsiders a behind-the-scenes look at the situation earlier this week.
“Harbaugh’s alleged initial cover-up was worse than the crime itself from the NCAA’s perspective,” Dellenger wrote. “In a notice of allegations sent to Michigan last year, the association cited four Level II violations, including meeting with two recruits during a COVID-19 dead period, texting a recruit outside of an allowable time period, having analysts perform on-field coaching duties during practice and having coaches watching players work out via Zoom.
“A quick resolution broke down in January after Harbaugh refused to admit that he lied to NCAA staff,” Dellenger wrote regarding Harbaugh. “The 59-year-old coach has maintained he didn’t recall the events when first speaking with investigators but that he was never purposefully dishonest.”
Harbaugh avoided any dishonesty on Thursday by avoiding the topic altogether. No matter the NCAA’s investigation outcome, the Michigan Wolverines will kick off their 2023 campaign on Sept. 2 against the East Carolina Pirates.