NCAA Officially Notifies Michigan of Allegations That Harbaugh Misled Investigators

Michigan has received an official notice of allegations from the NCAA that head football coach Jim Harbaugh misled investigators looking into the Wolverines' inappropriate recruiting practices during the COVID-19 dead period. 

According to the Detroit Free Press, Michigan officials confirmed that they have received the notice of allegations from the NCAA. 

The notice comes after Michigan in January acknowledged impermissible Level II violations, which included analysts serving in on-field coaching capacities, coaches watching players work our over video chats, and messaging recruits during the COVID-19 dead period. However, Harbaugh had previously maintained his innocence around the Level I charge of misleading investigators. 

"He really doesn't think he did anything wrong," a person close to the situation told the Free Press earlier this fall.

After receiving the NOA, Michigan now was a 90-day window to respond, in writing, to any charges. After that the NCAA has 60 days to respond to Michigan's response. 

Harbaugh has already served a self-imposed three-game suspension, which Michigan had hoped would serve as a good faith measure. 

Michigan has since also been implicated in an extensive sign-stealing scheme, spearheaded by recruiting staffer Connor Stalions. Stallions reportedly filmed and decoded signs during 35 games at 17 stadiums around the country, which involved both Big Ten and potential College Football Playoff opponents. 

A Level I infraction, seen as something that could "seriously undermine or threaten the integrity of the NCAA collegiate model as set forth in the Constitution and bylaws" which results in a "competitive or other advantage" could result in a multi-game suspension or other recruiting restrictions.