Michigan officially announces three-game suspension of Jim Harbaugh

Michigan officially announced the three-game suspension of football head coach Jim Harbaugh, a self-imposed punishment.

Harbaugh was initially set to serve a four-game suspension for the 2023 season, but a deal with the NCAA fell through and was to be revisited in 2024. When it looked like Harbaugh would coach this fall unscathed, the administration felt best to self impose a suspension for its coach.

The university released a statement after making the decision.

“The University of Michigan Athletic Department today (August 21) announced that is self-imposing sanctions in an ongoing NCAA matter related to its football program,” the statement read.

“Included in the self-imposed sanctions is a three-game suspension for Coach Jim Harbaugh, to be served during the opening three regular-season games of the 2023 season. The sanctions are in addition to previously imposed recruiting restrictions.”

Athletic director Warde Manuel also released a statement.

“While the ongoing NCAA matter continues through the NCAA process, today’s announcement is our way of addressing mistakes that our department has agreed to in an attempt to further that process,” Manuel said. “We will continue to support coach Harbaugh, his staff, and our outstanding student-athletes. Per the NCAA’s guidelines, we cannot comment further until the matter is resolved.”

The release also said the interim coach would be revealed on a future date.

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.”

Jim Harbaugh suspended for three games

The issues with Jim 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.”

Harbaugh goes into the 2023 season with a 74-25 record at Michigan since 2015 and a 132-52 record overall with the Wolverines, Stanford and San Diego. He’s led Michigan to back-to-back Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances.