Jim Harbaugh reveals he learned of suspension through social media
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh found out about his suspension like the rest of us: on social media. No, that’s not a joke.
Harbaugh awaited the decision, and potential temporary restraining order, through social media and did not coach against Penn State. Michigan went on to win 24-15 to improve to 10-0.
Harbaugh did not seem bothered by the way it happened because he leaned on his support system at the university. Plus, he was quite confident in his football team.
“Somebody showed me their phone,” Harbaugh said. “Social media, yeah. Warde (Manuel) was pretty, pretty upset. He was on a plane too. He’s pretty upset that he heard it through social media and not through the office, the Big Ten office.”
Manuel put out a definitive statement after the Big Ten’s decision. It meant the world to Harbaugh.
“Oh, tremendous support,” Harbaugh said. “Warde has been 10 toes down. He’s standing right here with us. His support, President Ono’s support, the board of regents. And I said our fan bas is already galvanized. I mean, they’re already connected. They’re together but well, I’m feeling a galvanized Michigan University alumni network and all the alums, largest living alumni body in the world, for any school and the fan base, which goes coast to coast and worldwide, really being galvanized.
“That’s tremendous. That’s a monumental thing when you think about it. Everybody is fighting like the team we’re supposed to be and that’s gonna be tough to beat.”
Not only that, Harbaugh maintained his “innocent until proven guilty” stance. He wouldn’t comment further until Friday’s hearing to see if he’ll be able to coach again Saturday against Maryland or if he’ll have to wait out the suspension.
“I’m gonna talk on Friday, just looking for that opportunity, due process. Not looking for special treatment, not looking for a popularity contest, just looking for the merit of what the case is,” Harbaugh said. “Senior in high school I had a civics class and talked about government, justice, and what I took away from that class was that you’re innocent until proven guilty. That was 40 years ago, but like that opportunity.”
The alleged mastermind behind the sign stealing operations, Connor Stalions, was initially suspended and eventually fired from the staff. However, the NCAA investigation is ongoing and the Big Ten elected to step in with punishment.
Michigan heads to College Park to take on Maryland Saturday at 12:00 p.m. ET.