Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel has acknowledged receiving a draft notice of allegation from the NCAA advising that Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh and several staff members, some of whom are no longer on staff, are facing serious Tier I and Tier II rule violations.
These alleged violations stem from inadmissible contact with rookies during the NCAA’s dark COVID recruiting period, which meant a program could not accommodate rookies. A Level I violation was given to Harbaugh in the NOA draft for being dishonest in the NCAA investigation, according to a source familiar with the matter, and Level II violations apply to the coaches involved in inadmissible contact with recruits.
“Yesterday we received draft allegations from the NCAA regarding our football program,” Manuel said in a statement Friday. “We have cooperated and will continue to cooperate with this investigation. Out of respect for the NCAA’s enforcement process, we will not offer further comment.
These alleged rule violations occurred in 2021 and, as described by a second source close to the situation, are serious in nature.
The allegations emerge as Harbaugh, 59, weighs his training options and can explain why he hasn’t definitively ruled out a return to the NFL. His name has already been associated with Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos.
according to his contract, a five-year extension that was signed last February, Michigan could fire Harbaugh with cause if the allegations of Tier I or Tier II violations prove true. Michigan may terminate Harbaugh if “The NCAA or the Conference determines, or the University reasonably determines, that the head coach has committed a material violation of a material provision of the Governance Rules (including, without limitation, a Level I or Level II violation of NCAA rules).”
The contract also states that if the university determines that he has committed a violation of NCAA rules, he “may be subject to disciplinary or corrective action…including, but not limited to, termination of this agreement.” “.
Harbaugh has just completed his eighth season as Wolverines manager and has enjoyed tremendous success over the past two seasons. Michigan went 25-3, including back-to-back wins over Ohio State and in the Big Ten Championship, but the Wolverines’ season ended each year in the National Championship semifinals, most recently, a 51-45 loss to TCU last Saturday.
On Thursday, Harbaugh released a statement through the Michigan Football Department reiterating what he told reporters last month, that he plans to coach Wolverines next season while keeping the door open, suggesting he could leave for the NFL.
“I am aware of the rumors and speculation of the past few days,” Harbaugh said in the statement. “College and NFL teams take a great interest in all of our staff, from players to coaches to staff, and I truly believe that speaks to the strength of our University of Michigan football program.
“As I stated in December, even though no one knows what the future holds, I expect to be coaching Michigan enthusiastically in 2023. I have spoken with the President (Santa) Ono and Sporting Director Warde Manuel and I appreciate their support of me and our program. Our mission as Wolverines continues and we are preparing for the 2023 season with great passion and enthusiasm. As our legendary manager has said Bo Schembechler, “Those who stay will be champions.”
With the reworked contract, Harbaugh has earned more than $10 million this year, including more than $2 million in performance bonuses and pension contributions.
Now that the university and Manuel have received the draft Notice of Approval, Michigan has the opportunity to review the allegations. Then the sooner the NCAA issues an NOA — the final word — to Michigan would be later this month or next month.
achangelis@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @chengelis
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