Reports: Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, NCAA negotiate four-game suspension

Michigan head football coach Jim Harbaugh and the NCAA Committee on Infractions are negotiating a suspension as punishment for recruiting violations and misleading information surrounding those allegations, according to multiple reports.

Yahoo Sports reported Harbaugh agreed to the proposed four-game suspension that must still be approved by the infractions committee. Michigan plays its first four games at home against East Carolina (Sept. 2), UNLV (Sept. 9), Bowling Green (Sept. 16) and Rutgers (Sept. 23). The Wolverines were 8-0 at home in 2022.

Lying to investigators is an NCAA Level I violation and carries a mandatory six-game suspension. The negotiated reduced suspension could also impact multiple assistant coaches, including offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore and tight ends coach Grant Newsome. They’re named in the NCAA’s notice along with former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who left Michigan to become defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens are coached by Harbaugh’s brother, John.

“We are continuing to work cooperatively with the NCAA staff on an enforcement matter,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement, per Yahoo Sports. “At this time, we cannot comment further on any aspect of the matter.”

Jim Harbaugh, 59, has denied that he lied to investigators, claiming he didn’t recall details they were requesting around meetings with recruits.

Michigan was 13-1 last season and played in the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive year, falling to TCU in the national semifinal game on Dec. 31.

–Field Level Media

Apr 1, 2023; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh on the field during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports