The head coach of the University of Michigan football program, Jim Harbaugh, was previously expected to receive a four-game suspension at the start of Michigan's season. However, he will reportedly be coaching on the sideline every game for the Wolverines this season.
Former defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald, offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, and tight ends coach Grant Newsome were all expected to receive sanctions along with Coach Harbaugh. These punishments came from recruiting violations that had happened in prior years. According to Yahoo Sports, these violations included “meeting with two recruits during a COVID-19 dead period, texting a recruit outside of an allowable time period, having analysts perform on-field coaching duties during practice and having coaches watching players work out via Zoom.”
These are technically minor violations, but Harbaugh reportedly lied about the violations to the NCAA, which made his consequences worse.
The NCAA Committee of Infractions has decided to take this case, but not until the 2023 football season is over. This means that any punishments that Harbaugh will face, will be in the 2024 season.
Derrick Crawford, the NCAA Vice President of Hearing Operations stated “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.” The cheeseburger reference is referring to the fact that one of the violations Harbaugh participated in was buying recruits cheeseburgers at a restaurant. Crawford made this statement saying that the case for Harbaugh is bigger than cheeseburgers. This case is more about Harbaugh lying to the NCAA investigators.
Michigan could serve Harbaugh with their own punishments, but as of now, it looks like Harbaugh will not miss any games in the 2023 season.
Nothing is for sure, but 2024 could be a rough season for Michigan football without their head coach for multiple games. Only time will tell what the future will hold for the Wolverines and their head coach.
Coach Jim Harbaugh's recruiting violations weren't extreme, but be aware when you go on recruiting visits. Be aware of the basic recruiting rules and timeline, and note if a coach doesn't seem to be following them. No coach is exempt from the rules; that coach is likely going to face some consequences at some point down the road.
Image Credit: David Guralnick, Detroit News
