Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh could be headed toward a four-game suspension to start this season, sources have confirmed to Sports Illustrated. Yahoo Sports initially reported the potential suspension.
A negotiated resolution has been reached between NCAA Enforcement and the school and it has been submitted to the Committee on Infractions for approval or rejection, sources familiar with the process say. The general timeline for the COI to sign off on a negotiated resolution is about 30 days. The committee could adjust the penalty or call for a full hearing, which would extend the process several months. Sources said that is not a likely outcome.
Thus Harbaugh’s status should be clarified before the Wolverines open the season against East Carolina on Sept. 2. With or without Harbaugh, Michigan figures to be a heavy favorite in its first four games against ECU, UNLV, Bowling Green and Rutgers. The Wolverines are expected to begin the season ranked in the top five nationally.
