Michigan receives notice of allegations stemming from ongoing NCAA investigation
Michigan football has received a formal Notice of Allegations (NOA) from the NCAA relating to a number of alleged violations, including during the Covid-19 dead period, by the program and head coach Jim Harbaugh, according to the Detroit News’ Angelique Chengelis.
The NOA accounts for four Level II violations, including meeting with recruits during the Covid dead period. There is also a Level I violation levied against Harbaugh for allegedly lying to NCAA investigators about the other four charges.
Multiple Michigan officials confirmed to the News on Wednesday that the school received the NOA.
The Level I violation could carry as much as a six-game suspension for Harbaugh if substantiated. Michigan voluntarily suspended Harbaugh for the first three games of the 2023 season, all against non-conference opponents. Previously, the NCAA and Michigan had reached an agreement for a four-game suspension for Harbaugh that the Committee on Infractions didn’t approve.
Michigan has reportedly agreed to the Level II violations for infractions such as analysts handling on-field coaching work, coaches observing practice via Zoom and testing a recruit outside of allowable timeframes.
Harbaugh, however, has apparently pushed back on the Level I violation or the notion he lied.
Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore also reached an agreed-upon resolution and was suspended for the first game of the season as a result of the Level II violations. That resolution held up for the Committee on Infractions.
This NCAA investigation is also separate from the investigation into alleged impermissible scouting which resulted in the resignation of staffer Connor Stalions earlier this season. Harbaugh was ultimately suspended three games by the Big Ten at the end of the regular season in 2023 as a result of that NCAA investigation, which is still ongoing.
Schools have 90 days to respond to a formal NOA in writing, then the NCAA has 60 more days to reply. Then, a hearing before the Committee on Infractions is scheduled, usually for a few months after the NCAA’s reply. After a decision, there’s also an appeals process for involved parties.
There also remains a distinct possibility that Harbaugh is offered and accepts a job with an NFL team that has a coaching vacancy. The past two offseasons have featured dalliances between the Michigan head coach and the NFL.
Michigan, meanwhile, is 13-0 and preparing for a College Football Playoff semifinal matchup against Alabama in the Rose Bowl. Michigan and Harbaugh are set to kick off against the Crimson Tide in Pasadena on Jan. 1, at 5:00 p.m. ET.