The saga of Michigan head football coach Jim Harbaugh's suspension continues after Michigan today announced that Harbaugh will serve a self-imposed three-game suspension.
Michigan formally announced the move on its website, noting that the suspension is to be served during the opening three regular-season games of the 2023 season. The sanctions are in addition to previously imposed recruiting restrictions.
The self-imposed suspension comes after the NCAA originally slapped Harbaugh with a three-game suspension, then later waffled on that penalty and rescinded the penalty.
Instead, the case was moved further through the NCAA disciplinary system, almost certainly into the offseason sometime in 2024, according to Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports.
"The Michigan infractions case is related to impermissible on and off-campus recruiting during the COVID-19 dead period and impermissible coaching activities — not a cheeseburger,” said Derrick Crawford, NCAA vice president, hearing operations at the time of the original decision. “It is not uncommon for the [Committee on Infractions] to seek clarification on key facts prior to accepting. ... If the involved parties cannot resolve a case through the negotiated resolution process, it may proceed to a hearing, but the committee believes cooperation is the best avenue to quickly resolve issues.”
It's unclear whether this will be the end of Harbaugh's case as the NCAA sees it, as the association could still decide to impose further penalties if it so chooses.
"While the ongoing NCAA matter continues through the NCAA process, today's announcement is our way of addressing mistakes that our department has agreed to in an attempt to further that process," said Warde Manuel, the Donald R. Shepherd director of Athletics. "We will continue to support Coach Harbaugh, his staff, and our outstanding student-athletes. Per the NCAA's guidelines, we cannot comment further until the matter is resolved."
UM said it will make an announcement on interim coaching appointments will be made at a future date.
