Jim Harbaugh investigation at Michigan: Possible punishments emerge, per reports
By Keith Farner
Published:
Jim Harbaugh is facing an NCAA investigation for alleged violations during the COVID-19 recruiting dead period, according to multiple reports.
The violations include alleged impermissible contact with recruits during the NCAA-mandated dead periods, as well as the use of a defensive analyst for on-field coaching activities, a rules violation. ESPN, Yahoo Sports and The Athletic reported that Harbaugh’s cooperation with NCAA enforcement staff during the investigation is also being examined. Harbaugh could face penalties that include a multi-game suspension. A Level I violation could lead to significant recruiting restrictions or even a suspension for a number of games.
Amid NFL interest reportedly from the Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers, and possibly the Indianapolis Colts, Harbaugh released a statement on Thursday: “As I stated in December, while no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023,” Harbaugh said.
The initial violation were minor, as expected. But misleading NCAA investigators can result in a Level I violation. The process to reach a final conclusion is long and slow. https://t.co/XYyvU6DHkP
— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) January 6, 2023
Harbaugh, 59, is 74-25 in 8 seasons with the Wolverines with 2 Big Ten championships and appearances in the College Football Playoff each of the past 2 seasons.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
