Former Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh has received a four-year show-cause order from the NCAA for impermissible contact with recruits and players during the COVID-19 restricted period. The sanctions effectively bar him from coaching at the college level for the next few years.
**Ann Arbor, Michigan** - The NCAA has imposed a four-year show-cause order on former Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh for impermissible contact with recruits and players during the COVID-19 restricted period.
NCAA Punishes Former Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh for Recruit Violations
The governing body determined that Harbaugh "engaged in unethical conduct, failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance, and violated head coach responsibility obligations." The organization also ruled that Harbaugh was not truthful with investigators about meeting with recruits during the moratorium.
The sanctions prohibit Harbaugh from coaching at the college football level for the next four years, effectively ending his tenure at Michigan. However, he is currently focused on preparing the Los Angeles Chargers for the upcoming regular season in the NFL.
NCAA Punishes Former Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh for Recruit Violations
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel has expressed excitement about hosting Harbaugh in Ann Arbor to help kick off the 2024 season as an honorary captain for the football team's home opener.
"I look forward to seeing him," Manuel said during an appearance on the 1 Star Recruits podcast this week. "He'll be an honorary captain for our first game. I look forward to having him back in Ann Arbor for that game."
NCAA Punishes Former Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh for Recruit Violations
Michigan was previously placed on probation for three years and fined. The football program also faces recruiting limits, all of which were included in a negotiated resolution in the case.
Harbaugh also missed Michigan's 2023 season opener due to a three-game suspension the university self-imposed as part of the recruiting investigation.
The recruiting case is separate from the NCAA’s investigation into impermissible in-person scouting and sign-stealing allegations that cast a shadow over Michigan's undefeated 2023 campaign. The Big Ten Conference ultimately suspended Harbaugh for the final three games of the 2023 regular season amid the fallout from the alleged advanced scouting scheme.
Sherrone Moore was promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach after Harbaugh bolted for the NFL. He handled the head coaching duties on multiple occasions while Harbaugh served his suspensions last season. However, Moore is also facing separate allegations as he is suspected of violating NCAA rules related to the investigation into the sign-stealing scandal, according to sources.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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