Michigan announces head coach plan while Jim Harbaugh serves suspension

Michigan has announced the plan for its head coaching plans while Jim Harbaugh serves his self-imposed three-game suspension. Multiple assistants will rotate into the interim head coach role.

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter will handle head coaching duties for the season opener against East Carolina while offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore will do so for the Sept. 16 game against Bowling Green. For the Sept. 9 matchup against UNLV, Michigan will split the head coach duties between special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh and running backs coach Mike Hart. Jay Harbaugh will handle the first half responsibilities and Hart will do so in the second half.

Ben Herbert will also serve as associate head coach in addition to his duties as director of strength and conditioning. Jack Harbaugh will remain the assistant head coach, according to the release.

“I’m certain that all will be impressed with the four coaches’ ability to direct and manage the game,” Jim Harbaugh said in a statement. “It’s been well documented that we have a very talented coaching staff and I believe that all 10 assistant coaches will be head coaches in the near future. They are all capable of leading a team at an elite level. I know that everyone will handle their responsibilities and help our players to be the best version of themselves on and off the field this fall and beyond.”

Michigan officially announced the suspension Monday afternoon as part of the next steps in an investigation regarding recruiting violations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wolverines athletics director Warde Manuel released a statement on the matter, confirming the suspension is part of the plan to help move the investigation along.

“While the ongoing NCAA matter continues through the NCAA process, today’s announcement is our way of addressing mistakes that our department has agreed to in an attempt to further that process,” Manuel said. “We will continue to support coach Harbaugh, his staff, and our outstanding student-athletes. Per the NCAA’s guidelines, we cannot comment further until the matter is resolved.”

News of the potential suspension came about right before Big Ten Media Days, at which Harbaugh spoke. He couldn’t comment on any aspect of the situation at the time, though.

After Michigan announced its suspension, he released a brief statement — his first on the matter.

“I will continue to do what I always tell our players and my kids at home, ‘Don’t get bitter, get better,’” Harbaugh said.