Jim Harbaugh Likely To Be Suspended Over NCAA Violations

Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger was first to report that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and University of Michigan head football coach Jim Harbaugh (pictured above) are working toward resolving the case which involved NCAA recruiting violations and whether Harbaugh was honest or dishonest about them.

Harbaugh is expected to receive a four-game suspension for allegedly being dishonest to the NCAA about said violations, while three other assistants (two current and one former) will receive other punishment.

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Former defensive coordinator Michael MacDonald (who is now with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, coaching under Jim's brother, John) is expected to get a one-year show cause penalty from the NCAA for his role in the violations.  While current assistants Sherrone Moore and Grant Newsome are expected to get one-game suspensions.

ESPN's Adam Rittenberg wrote this past January that the violations stem from:

"The violations include alleged impermissible contact with recruits during the NCAA-mandated dead periods, as well as the use of a defensive analyst for on-field coaching activities, a rules violation. Sources told ESPN that Harbaugh's cooperation with NCAA enforcement staff during the investigation is also being examined. Harbaugh could face penalties that include a multigame suspension, sources said."

The NCAA says that Michigan committed the violations during the COVID-19 dead period and that Harbaugh was not truthful to the NCAA about said violations.

If Harbaugh is suspended for the first four games of the 2023 season, the first game that he will coach will be the September 30th game at Nebraska.

There are high hopes and expectations for Michigan football this season.  The Big Ten preseason media poll (released on Tuesday) has Michigan the favorite to win the Big Ten Eastern Division over Ohio State and Penn State.  The Wolverines have won the Big Ten title the last two years and have made it to the College Football Playoff both years.