Report: Harbaugh's 4-game suspension not approved by committee

The NCAA's Committee on Infractions didn't approve a negotiated four-game suspension for Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, sources told Pete Thamel of ESPN Saturday.

The next steps are uncertain, and Harbaugh's status for the 2023 season and a possible suspension have yet to be determined, Thamel adds.

A resolution probably won't come for months if a full hearing is required, Thamel reports.

"The Michigan infractions case is related to impermissible on and off-campus recruiting during the COVID-19 dead period and impermissible coaching activities - not a cheeseburger. It is not uncommon for the COI to seek clarification on key facts prior to accepting," Derrick Crawford, NCAA vice president of hearing operations, said in a statement.

"The COI may also reject (a negotiated resolution) if it determines that the agreement is not in the best interests of the Association or the penalties are not reasonable. If the involved parties cannot resolve a case through the negotiated resolution process, it may proceed to a hearing, but the committee believes cooperation is the best avenue to quickly resolve issues."

Harbaugh and the NCAA previously reached a resolution on a four-game suspension for the coach that would start the upcoming season.

Harbaugh is facing a Level I violation after being accused by the NCAA of being dishonest during an investigation into recruiting violations. The probe reportedly looked into the Wolverines meeting recruits during a pandemic-related dead period and having analysts perform on-field coaching duties during practice with coaches monitoring player workouts via Zoom.

"I'm not allowed to talk about any aspect of that ongoing situation," Harbaugh said, per Thamel. "I'd love to lay it all out there. There's nothing to be ashamed of, but now is not that time."

Michigan reached the College Football Playoff in back-to-back seasons. Harbaugh has coached the Wolverines since 2015, compiling a 74-25 record and two Big Ten championships.