Michigan, in collaboration with five current or former members of its football program, has come to an agreement with the NCAA regarding recruiting violations and coaching activities performed by noncoaching staff within the football program. As per the terms of the agreement, Michigan will undergo a three-year probationary period, face financial penalties, and encounter restrictions in its recruiting activities. Additionally, coaches involved will be subjected to one-year show-cause orders, as stated by the NCAA.
However, it’s noteworthy that one former Michigan coach, likely former head coach Jim Harbaugh, did not participate in this agreement, and their case will be addressed separately by the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions.
The violations in question include impermissible in-person recruiting contacts during a COVID-19 dead period, unauthorized tryouts, and exceeding the permissible count of coaches through engagement of noncoaching staff in coaching activities, both on and off the field. These activities encompassed the provision of technical and tactical skills instruction to student-athletes. The resolution further acknowledges that these infractions reflect a violation of head coach responsibility, with the former head coach failing to fulfill obligations to cooperate with the investigation. The university also admitted to shortcomings in deterring and detecting impermissible recruiting contacts and ensuring adherence to rules governing noncoaching staff.
Five Michigan football coaches at the center of the recruiting violations during the COVID dead period have reached an agreement on penalties with the NCAA. pic.twitter.com/dLGPeyOwTG
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) April 16, 2024
In January, the NCAA issued a notice of allegations to Michigan, accusing the Wolverines of various violations, including unauthorized meetings with recruits during a COVID-19 dead period, texting recruits outside of contact periods, surpassing on-field coaching limits by having analysts instruct players during practice, and observing player workouts via Zoom.
Warde Manuel, Michigan’s athletic director, expressed satisfaction with the resolution, emphasizing the importance of allowing student-athletes and the football program to progress. However, he declined to provide further details on other aspects of the NCAA’s inquiries.
It’s worth noting that Jim Harbaugh previously served a self-imposed three-game suspension at the beginning of the 2023 season for allegedly making false statements during the investigation.
This ruling is distinct from the ongoing investigation into Michigan’s involvement in sign-stealing activities.
