Report: Michigan football under NCAA investigation, expects Notice of Allegations
The Michigan football program is under NCAA investigation for infractions and expects to receive a Notice of Allegations — a document that outlines the misbehavior — by Friday, according to a report from The Athletic’s Nicole Auerbach. The infractions are reportedly “relatively minor” but the investigation has also looked into the response from the program.
According to Auerbach, the violations reportedly include an analyst coaching players — only on-field assistants are allowed that privilege — and another surrounding impermissible text messages. The NCAA is investigating the response from Michigan, though Auerbach did note that “Three sources who have knowledge of the investigation confirmed it included self-reported violations involving an analyst coaching players on the field. It is unclear what the punishment from the NCAA would be.”
Depending on the violations, the punishment could range from fines to loss of scholarships to limits on recruiting or go as far as a bowl ban — though that option seems unlikely to be on the table for “relatively minor” violations.
The news of the violations and NCAA investigation broke just hours after Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh released a public statement seeking to reassure that he would still be coaching in Ann Arbor — and not the NFL — come the fall.
Harbaugh releases statement on future at Michigan
Jim Harbaugh addressed the NFL coaching speculation up front through a statement released by Michigan. Harbaugh said he expected to coach Michigan in 2023.
That was a follow up to a report earlier this week regarding Harbaugh’s standing with the Carolina Panthers, whom he reportedly had a conversation with. According to a conversation with Queen City News, Harbaugh said the same, that he expected to coach Michigan next season.
Below is Harbaugh’s statement released through the football program.
“I am aware of the rumors and speculation over the past few days,” Harbaugh said. “College and NFL teams have great interest in all our personnel, from players to coaches to staff, and I truly believe that is a testament to the strength of our University of Michigan football program. As I stated in December, while no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023.
“I have spoken with President Santa Ono and Athletic Director Warde Manuel and 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 coach Bo Schembechler said … ‘Those who stay will be champions.’”