Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh to Serve Self-Imposed Suspension, per Report

The Wolverines coach previously had negotiated a deal with the NCAA to serve a four-game suspension, but that agreement fell through earlier this month.

Less than two weeks ahead of Michigan’s season opener against East Carolina, the Wolverines program reportedly has self-imposed a three-game suspension for head coach Jim Harbaugh, according to Josh Henschke of Rivals.

Harbaugh previously had negotiated a deal with the NCAA to serve a four-game suspension for a Level I violation for non-cooperation with NCAA enforcement mechanisms. That deal fell through earlier this month, as it did not receive approval from the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions.

Harbaugh is alleged to have broken NCAA rules by engaging in Zoom calls with recruits during the COVID-19 pandemic and allowing a staff analyst to perform on-field coaching duties, per On3‘s Nick Kosko. Harbaugh has denied any wrongdoing.

Michigan is set to begin its season on Sept. 2 at home against ECU, followed by home games against UNLV and Bowling Green. Harbaugh would be eligible to return for the Wolverines’ Big Ten opener at home against Rutgers on Sept. 23.