Jim Harbaugh expected to face self-imposed suspension

Jim Harbaugh will serve a punishment after all as Michigan is expected to self impose a three-game suspension to start the season.

The Wolverine’s Chris Balas reported the initial suspension of three games, imposed by the school. Harbaugh was originally going to be suspended for four games in a deal with the NCAA but that deal was waved off.

Harbaugh will return for the conference opener against Rutgers in late September.

“Will be three games. Self-imposed by Michigan. More to come,” Balas wrote.

After a suspension and no suspension, Harbaugh will now be sidelined on game day three weeks in a row.

The NCAA Committee on Infractions rejected the negotiated settlement, which would have included a four-game suspension to start the year. The case was then expected to go to a full hearing that would likely take place sometime in 2024. Initially, Harbaugh was expected to coach the entire 2023 season.

That is now not the case if Michigan goes through with a self-imposed punishment. Harbaugh repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, which was an NCAA sticking point.

Some of the violations included Zoom contact with recruits during the pandemic, an impromptu visit to the Brown Jug for burgers and allowing an analyst to perform on-field coaching duties. None are considered major offenses by the NCAA.

During Big Ten Media Days, Harbaugh brushed off any questions regarding a suspension or eventual lack thereof.

“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.”

The issues with Harbaugh and Michigan 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,” NCAA Vice President of Hearing Operations Derrick 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.”