Michigan football fans have spent a good portion of the offseason wondering what the repercussions would be for the NCAA's investigation into Jim Harbaugh.
The Michigan football coach allegedly misled NCAA investigators about multiple Level II infractions, including having practices with too many coaches, recruiting violations during the COVID-19 freeze, and unauthorized recording of practices.
It appears an answer is finally coming down. The Athletic reported Tuesday that Michigan is working toward a four-game suspension for Harbaugh and one-game suspensions for offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore and tight end coach Grant Newsome.
Misleading investigators would generally be deemed a Level I violation, the most serious infraction a coach can get hit with by the NCAA, but with this punishment being negotiated upon it stands to reason there may have been some leniency. The most severe suspension for a Level I infraction would have been six games and recruiting restrictions.
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Michigan has won the Big Ten and made the College Football Playoffs in each of the past two seasons under Harbaugh. Even if he does end up serving a full four games, this shouldn't impede the Wolverines' chances at a third straight year -- Harbaugh would return by the time Michigan's schedule kicks up against Matt Rhule and Nebraska.
What did Jim Harbaugh do?
Ultimately, not cooperating with NCAA investigators was the reason Harbaugh was suspended.
Michigan negotiated its way to Harbaugh's four-game suspension, according to The Athletic.
In addition to not cooperating with investigators, Harbaugh committed the aforementioned Level II infractions.
Although Harbaugh has apologized for the Level II infractions, he fell short of admitting to misleading investigators, at least in a deliberate fashion.
Jim Harbaugh violations
Harbaugh allegedly committed several infractions of NCAA rules.
Level II violations reportedly included:
- Practices with too many coaches on the field.
- Contacting prospects during the COVID-19 dead period.
- Unauthorized video observation of practices.
The pertinent violation, however, is the deliberate misleading of NCAA officials and refusing to cooperate with an investigation. That Level I violation was the most serious.
Jim Harbaugh cheeseburger receipt
One of the reasons this situation blew up is because of a receipt from Ann Arbor watering hole "The Brown Jug." On3's Chris Balas reported Harbaugh took two recruits to lunch at The Brown Jug and, when confronted about the literal receipts, Harbaugh "wasn't completely honest" about them.
That dishonesty remains the most serious allegation against Harbaugh.
Harbaugh, for his part, denies any wrongdoing but cannot speak on the investigation due to the nature of it.
“I’m not allowed to talk about any aspect of that," Harbaugh told media at Big Ten Media Day, per Bruce Feldman. "I’d love to lay it all out there. Nothing to be ashamed of. But now is not that time. And that’s about all there is to say about that."
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Michigan football schedule 2023
One of the reasons Michigan likely negotiated for a four-game suspension is because of Michigan's early schedule.
The team plays its first four against East Carolina, UNLV, Bowling Green, and Rutgers -- all at The Big House.
From there, Michigan's schedule begins in earnest. The Wolverines will play Nebraska, Minnesota, Indiana, and Michigan State with three of those games coming on the road.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| Sep. 2 | East Carolina | Noon |
| Sep. 9 | UNLV | 3:30 p.m. |
| Sep. 16 | Bowling Green | 7:30 p.m. |
| Sep. 23 | Rutgers | Noon |
| Sep. 30 | @ Nebraska | TBD |
| Oct. 7 | @ Minnesota | TBD |
| Oct. 14 | Indiana | TBD |
| Oct. 21 | @ Michigan State | TBD |
| Nov. 4 | Purdue | TBD |
| Nov. 11 | @ Penn State | Noon |
| Nov. 18 | @ Maryland | TBD |
| Nov. 25 | Ohio State | Noon |
