Michigan Believed Deal Was Possible to Reduce Harbaugh Suspension—Until New Info Emerged

Earlier this week, during settlement discussions, Michigan officials believed they could strike a deal with the Big Ten to reduce Jim Harbaugh’s suspension from three games to two—allowing Harbaugh to coach his undefeated Michigan team’s regular-season finale against Ohio State, two people familiar with the settlement talks tell Sports Illustrated.

Then Michigan learned of new information and the school agreed to drop its legal challenge and accept his three-game suspension, a person aware of the situation says.

It looked like Harbaugh was going to be back on the sidelines for Michigan’s game against Ohio State, until the Big Ten pulled its offer.

Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports