Jim Harbaugh Accepts Three-Game Suspension As Big Ten Closes Michigan Investigation

One chapter of the Wolverines' myriad woes is seemingly over.

The legal fight between Michigan and the Big Ten appears to have drawn to a close.

Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh will accept his three-game suspension as part of a resolution with the conference, the University of Michigan announced Thursday afternoon.

Harbaugh was suspended for the Wolverines' final three regular-season games on Friday after a Big Ten investigation into allegations of illegal in-person scouting against Michigan.

The Wolverines defeated Penn State 24–15 on the road without Harbaugh Saturday after unsuccessfully seeking a restraining order before kickoff to prevent the Big Ten from enforcing its suspension.

Just got off the phone to this surprising news. Harbaugh accepting three-game suspension. pic.twitter.com/z14fIOHrm6

— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) November 16, 2023

As the university noted in its statement, an NCAA investigation into Michigan’s alleged conduct remains open, with the Wolverines pledging “to cooperate fully.” 

Michigan additionally indicated in its statement that the Big Ten had signaled it lacked information “suggesting Coach Harbaugh’s involvement in the allegations.” 

“Today’s decision by the University of Michigan to withdraw its legal challenge against the conference’s November 10th notice of disciplinary action is indicative of the high standards and values that the conference and the university seek to uphold,” the Big Ten said in its own statement on the decision.

Big Ten Conference Statement on University of Michigan Decision https://t.co/JnOzeSz9Z9 pic.twitter.com/U3sBvFfPjv

— Big Ten Conference (@bigten) November 16, 2023

The Wolverines play Maryland on Saturday in College Park before returning home to meet Ohio State in their regular-season finale.