Report: Harbaugh, NCAA working toward 4-game suspension in recruiting probe

Michigan's Jim Harbaugh and the NCAA are working towards a resolution that is expected to see the head coach serve a four-game suspension for failing to comply with investigators in a recruiting investigation, sources told Yahoo's Ross Dellenger.

The NCAA began looking into the Wolverines over four Level II recruiting violations in January. Harbaugh faced a Level I violation as a result of reportedly refusing to acknowledge that he lied or misled investigators.

The NCAA claims Harbaugh was dishonest in his first meeting and then refused to acknowledge that he lied when trying to work out a resolution, Dellenger adds. Harbaugh alleges that he didn't remember the incident.

The initial investigation that was launched over Michigan allegedly contacting recruits during the COVID-19 dead period, using video feeds to watch players work out, and using too many coaches during practice.

Harbaugh's attorney Tom Mars released a statement as a result of the report but declined to comment on any potential discipline.

"We are continuing to work cooperatively with the NCAA staff on an enforcement matter," Mars said to ESPN's Pete Thamel. "At this time, we are not allowed to comment on possible penalties or other aspects of the matter.”

Wolverines offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore and tight ends coach Grant Newsome are also likely to be disciplined, Dellenger notes.

If Harbaugh is banned for four games, he would miss matchups against East Carolina, UNLV, Bowling Green, and Rutgers. All four games are slated to be Michigan home games.