Michigan’s football program is under investigation by the NCAA for numerous potential rule violations, including head coach Jim Harbaugh directly for failing to cooperate with investigators, a Level I or highest level violation, a source told Yahoo Sports.
The NCAA has prepared a draft allegation notice that, when delivered to the school, will initiate a 90-day window on the case before the official notice is made.
The program is currently under investigation for four Level II violations, which are generally classified as minor.
According to a source, they are focused on using too many coaches at training sessions, meeting with two recruits during a COVID-19 dead period and following player training via a video feed.
The Level I allegation states that Harbaugh misled NCAA investigators when faced with questions about the Level II allegations. Violating Tier I could result in significant recruitment restrictions or even a ban from a number of games.
Harbaugh’s contract allows the university to terminate him “for cause” if “the NCAA or the conference or the university reasonably determines that (i) the head coach has committed a material breach of any material provision of the governing rules (including, but not limited to , a Level I or II violation of NCAA rules).”
However, achieving this standard would likely require the entire NCAA process, which could take months or years, to be completed.
The school could also be behind the 59-year-old, who has guided the Wolverines to back-to-back Big Ten titles and college football playoff appearances. Harbaugh has never been subpoenaed for a Level I violation.
The allegations and the uncertainty surrounding them may explain some of Harbaugh’s interest in open NFL jobs, particularly with the Denver Broncos.
Harbaugh on Thursday issued a statement full of candid language about his plan for next season.
“As I said in December, while no one knows what the future holds, I expect to be excited to coach Michigan in 2023,” Harbaugh said.
He could not be reached for further comment on Thursday evening.
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