Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Jim Harbaugh expected to be suspended to start 2023 season

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 7/25/23

The Michigan Wolverines’ quest for a threepeat as Big Ten champions will begin without head coach Jim Harbaugh, according to a report from Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports.

Per Dellenger, Harbaugh and the NCAA are “working toward” a four-game suspension that will begin on Sept. 2 stemming from reported false statements Harbaugh made to NCAA investigators during their recent probe into alleged recruiting violations by Michigan staffers.

“The NCAA enforcement staff alleged that Harbaugh was dishonest about the recruiting violations in his initial meeting with investigators,” Dellenger wrote. “A quick resolution broke down in January after Harbaugh refused to admit that he lied to NCAA staff. The 59-year-old coach has maintained he didn’t recall the events when first speaking with investigators but that he was never purposefully dishonest.”

Harbaugh would miss games against East Carolina, UNLV, Bowling Green and UM’s conference opener against Rutgers before returning to Nebraska on Sept. 30.

Statement from Michigan AD Warde Manuel: “We are continuing to work cooperatively with the NCAA staff on an enforcement matter. At this time, we cannot comment further on any aspect of the matter."
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) July 25, 2023

The NCAA sent the university a notice of allegations last year, noting the football staff committed four Level II violations, which typically result in minor penalties. The Wolverines were cited for violations including meeting with multiple recruits during a COVID-related dead period, exchanging text messages with recruits during a no-contact window and allowing coaches to watch player workouts over Zoom.

According to Dellenger, Harbaugh acknowledged the violations but essentially did not admit to being untruthful.

Additional sanctions were levied on ex-Wolverines defensive coordinator Mike McDonald, who will reportedly receive a one-year show-cause violation. McDonald left during the offseason to become the new defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens under Jim’s brother John.

Wolverines offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore and tight ends coach Grant Newsome are also expected to be hit with penalties as well, likely resulting in suspensions.

Michigan finished 13-1 last season, winning its second straight Big Ten championship and East division title before falling to TCU in the College Football Playoff.

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