Michigan finds itself in muddy waters again. The NCAA just hit Michigan Football with a three-year probation over COVID-era recruiting violations. These violations involved improper contact with recruits during a supposed Dead Period on the recruiting calendar, where face-to-face interactions between coaches and recruits were forbidden. 

Now, this could shake things up for Jim Harbaugh, who’s already moved on to coach the Los Angeles Chargers. Remember last season when Michigan benched Harbaugh for three games on their own? Turns out that little time-out wasn’t enough to dodge the NCAA’s hammer. There’s still some chatter about what exactly this means for Harbaugh’s record. 

Should Harbaugh be concerned?

The NCAA’s three-year probation on Michigan Football could potentially not have an impact on Jim Harbaugh, since he has moved on from college football and to the NFL. As the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, the only effect the verdict might have is by leaving a stain on Harbaugh’s reputation and coaching career. While there has not been any specific rule on Harbaugh’s situation yet, last fall, the NCAA warned that they might suspend the ex-Michigan coach unless he stopped making satirical posts on social media about their investigation into the Wolverines’ football program. His lawyer was told to get those comments under control. 

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The NCAA announced on Tuesday that a settlement had been reached in one of the dual investigations involving Michigan, which focused on recruiting violations during the COVID-19 dead period. However, they noted that one former coach, believed to be Harbaugh, did not agree to the settlement.

His case will be reviewed separately by the Committee on Infractions, according to the NCAA’s statement. As far as Harbaugh’s coaching stint with the Chargers is concerned, based on prior consensus, it is safe to believe that his lucrative contract must include contractual protection to insulate himself from potential penalties. Specifically, he wanted wording in the contract that would prevent him from being fired due to the issues that led to his two separate three-game suspensions during the tumultuous 2023 season.

Michigan Football punished for NCAA violations 

The NCAA has placed Michigan Football on three years of probation and issued fines and recruiting restrictions following an agreement with the university and several associated staff members. The violations, settled with the NCAA’s enforcement staff, relate to illegal in-person recruiting contacts during a COVID-19 dead period and the improper participation of noncoaching staff in coaching activities.

Following the turmoil, Harbaugh transitioned to a new role as head coach for the Los Angeles Chargers, prompting significant changes in Michigan’s coaching staff, including the promotion of Sherrone Moore to head coach.

Reflecting on the current resolution, which includes imposing a three-year probation and fines, Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel stated, “We are pleased to reach a resolution on this matter so that our student-athletes and our football program can move forward.” Meanwhile, the case concerning Harbaugh, who served a three-game suspension last season for recruiting infractions, is still under review, with the NCAA yet to finalize decisions on his involvement. This case is separate from another ongoing investigation into an alleged off-campus sign-stealing operation that came to light last October.