It appears Michigan Football will be without Jim Harbaugh for the first four games of the season.
After allegedly lying to NCAA investigators last year about potential rules violations within his program, Harbaugh -- who maintains he never offered knowingly false information -- is working toward a "negotiated resolution" with the NCAA that's expected to yield a four-game suspension this season for the 59-year-old coach, according to Yahoo! Sports.
Michigan, which is expected to be ranked in the preseason top five coming off its second straight Big Ten title, plays its first four games at home against East Carolina, UNLV, Bowling Green and Rutgers.
The NCAA notified Michigan last year of four Level II violations, including meeting with recruits during a COVID-19 dead period and having analysts perform on-field coaching duties during practice. In the NCAA's initial meeting with Harbaugh, it alleged he was dishonest about the details of said violations -- a Level I violation that typically comes with a six-game suspension and serious recruiting restrictions.
While Harbaugh eventually acknowledged the Level II violations, per Yahoo! Sports, he has maintained he never purposefully misled investigators. Rather, he claims he didn't recall the specific events when first questioned.
Along with Harbaugh's suspension, which is pending approval by the NCAA Committee on Infractions, sanctions are expected to be handed down to Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore and tight ends coach Grant Newsome.
And former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who left after the 2021 season to become defensive coordinator of John Harbaugh's Baltimore Ravens, is expected to receive a one-year show-cause penalty, per Yahoo! Sports.
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