Jim Harbaugh temporarily avoids suspension, expected to coach Michigan all season

It was reported in July that University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh was going to accept a four-game suspension to open the 2023 season due to false statements he made to NCAA investigators during a probe into recruiting violations.

But it seems like that deal is off. At least for now. 

Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports reported on Saturday that the deal will move through the NCAA disciplinary system and probably won't be resolved until the 2024 offseason.

According to Wetzel, Harbaugh is now expected to coach every game for Michigan this season, which will certainly help the program's case for winning another Big Ten championship. 

The NCAA issued the following statement regarding Harbaugh:

"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. “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.”

Michigan was being investigated for several Level II violations, "including meeting with recruits during a so-called dead period, watching workouts on Zoom and having too many analysts participate in on-field practice coaching."

The issue became significant for Harbaugh and the program when it was determined that he was not forthcoming with the NCAA's investigators. 

While Harbaugh could still be facing a suspension next season, and perhaps a significant suspension, it is worth pointing out that there is a very real chance that Harbaugh is not even the Michigan's head coach at that point. He has shown an interest in returning to the NFL and has spoken to teams two years in a row. 

Harbaugh is one of the top coaches in college football and has proven he can be successful in the NFL, having led the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl. He will again be in demand again this offseason for pretty much any head-coaching vacancy. 

Michigan has played in the College Football Playoff two years running and is one of the top teams in the country heading into this season.