Michigan and coach Jim Harbaugh have agreed to the Big Ten’s three-game suspension, as announced by the university. This development means that Harbaugh will be absent from coaching duties in the upcoming game against Maryland and the regular-season finale against archrival Ohio State.
In a joint resolution, the Big Ten and the university decided to conclude the investigation, leading to the withdrawal of the scheduled hearing at the Washtenaw County Courthouse. Consequently, the case has been officially dismissed in court.
The university’s statement emphasized that the agreement aims to shift the focus back to the student-athletes and their on-field performance. The Big Ten confirmed its lack of awareness regarding Harbaugh’s involvement in the alleged violations and stated ongoing cooperation with the NCAA’s investigation.
The Big Ten also released a statement noting Michigan’s withdrawal of its legal challenge. The initial motion for an emergency temporary restraining order and a breach of contract complaint had been filed by Michigan and Harbaugh’s attorneys. The conference reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of competition.
The suspension originated from the violation of the Big Ten’s sportsmanship policy by Michigan’s football program. The league found that the team conducted an impermissible, in-person scouting operation over multiple years, leading to an unfair competitive advantage and compromising the integrity of competition.
Harbaugh has already served one game of the suspension during Michigan’s win at Penn State, observed from a nearby hotel. The Wolverines have the opportunity to secure their 1,000th win against Maryland, with defensive line coach Mike Elston expressing the significance of Harbaugh’s involvement in this milestone. Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, who led the team in the previous game, will continue as the interim head coach.
As the suspension unfolds, the focus remains on the resilience of the team and the pursuit of a historic victory in the upcoming matchups.