As part of the NCAA’s notice of accusations regarding potential recruiting irregularities, Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh is facing a Level I violation.
The alleged offenses included illegal on- and off-campus recruiting during the COVID-19 blackout period, as well as coaching activities, which led to the university slapping a three-game suspension on Harbaugh at the start of the 2023 football season.
The notice also included four Level II charges related to “impermissible contact with recruits and analysts performing coaching duties.” Those Level II violations are considered less serious, with the university and the NCAA have reportedly reached a negotiated resolution.
Regarding the Level I violation against Harbaugh, the NCAA alleges that Harbaugh lied to investigators. The university and head coach continue to fight the allegation.The university, hoping to soften whatever punishment the NCAA might impose, suspended Harbaugh for the first three games of the season. The NCAA could decide to accept the three-game suspension as sufficient punishment but will complete it investigation and make a decisio.
Michigan has 90 days to respond to the notice of allegations.
The NCAA’s allegations are unrelated to the sign-stealing and in-person scouting scandal that resulted in the Big Ten Conference suspending Harbaugh three games near the end of the regular season. While the Big Ten concluded its investigation, the NCAA investigation is ongoing.
The NCAA claims that Harbaugh misled investigators about the Level I violation against him. The head coach and the university are still disputing the accusation.The university suspended Harbaugh for the first three games of the season in an attempt to mitigate any penalties the NCAA might levy. The NCAA will conduct its inquiry, reach a decision, and then decide whether to accept the three-game suspension as adequate punishment.
