Suspension agreement for Jim Harbaugh called off, case to go to committee

Ahead of Big Ten Media Days, Jim Harbaugh had reportedly come to an agreement with the NCAA on a four-game suspension. There had been some violations in the Michigan program and the NCAA was not happy with how Harbaugh presented information.

However, there has reportedly been a change of plans. According to Dan Wetzel of Yahoo, Harbaugh will not be suspended for the opening four games of the 2023 season. Instead, he will be on the sideline for every single Michigan game this season.

If there is going to be some kind of punishment from the NCAA, it will flow into the 2024 season. The Committee of Infractions will now take the case but it will occur once the 2023 season is over.

“An agreement between the NCAA and Jim Harbaugh that called for a four game suspension is off, industry sources tell Yahoo Sports,” Wetzel said via Twitter. “The case will go to Committee on Infractions, likely in 2024. Harbaugh expected to coach all Michigan games this season.”

A statement came from Derrick Crawford, the NCAA Vice President of Hearing Operations. He said the issues with Harbaugh stem from recruiting during COVID-19 dead period.

“The Michigan infractions case is related to impermissible on and off-campus recruiting during the COVID-19 dead period and impermissible coaching activities — not a cheeseburger,” Crawford said. “It is not uncommon for the COI to seek clarification on key facts prior to accepting. The COI may also reject an NR if it determines that the agreement is not in the best interests of the Association or the penalties are not reasonable. If the involved parties cannot resolve a case through the negotiated resolution process, it may proceed to be a hearing, but the committee believes cooperation is the best avenue to quickly resolve issues.

A change of heart will mean this story will continue for at least another year. Looking ahead to the 2024 season — Michigan has nonconference games against Fresno State, Texas, and Arkansas State. If there is a four-game suspension, he would miss a huge game against the Longhorns and a Big Ten matchup too.

But at this point, nothing is set in stone. There could be a couple of more twists and turns throughout the process according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Thamel added some information to the situation, saying the next steps for Harbaugh and the NCAA are “uncertain.” They have yet to decide if there is going to be any kind of punishment — or suspension — during the 2023 season.

“Sources cautioned that next steps are uncertain, and Harbaugh’s status to start the 2023 season or any potential suspension has yet to be determined,” Thamel said.

Had Harbaugh served the suspension, he would have missed Michigan’s games against East Carolina, UNLV, Bowling Green, and Rutgers. All four games would have occurred at the Big House as well, giving the interim staff some comfortability without their head coach.

Instead, Harbaugh is likely going to be on the sideline for all 12 regular season games. Depending on how the Wolverines perform, there could be at least 15 to play — that’s the goal in Ann Arbor, at least. From a pure football perspective, Saturday’s decision from the NCAA is a huge one for Michigan.