Report: Michigan rescinds new contract for Harbaugh amid sign-stealing scandal

Michigan rescinded a new contract for head coach Jim Harbaugh following allegations that the program was involved in sign-stealing, a source told the Wall Street Journal's Andrew Beaton.

The contract would have made the 59-year-old the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten, Beaton reports.

The NCAA is currently investigating whether Michigan illegally stole opponents' play-calling signs. The school suspended staffer Conor Stalions following a report that the NCAA is investigating allegations of violating rules that ban programs from in-person scouting of future opponents. Stalions allegedly bought tickets to more than 30 games.

Harbaugh denied any involvement or knowledge of sign-stealing within the program.

"I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed staff members or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment," he said.

Harbaugh also commented on the report about the school rescinding a new contract offer.

"I wouldn't say that's accurate, no," Harbaugh said Monday, according to the Associated Press' Larry Lage.

Harbaugh was advised that he shouldn't sign the contract offer yet, a source told ESPN's Tom VanHaaren.

This marks the latest scandal tied to Harbaugh after Michigan imposed a three-game suspension on the head coach at the start of the season due to recruiting violations in 2021.

Harbaugh returned to his alma mater in 2015 and has helped turn the program into a legitimate national title contender. Michigan has qualified for the CFP in back-to-back seasons to go along with a pair of Big Ten titles. The Wolverines have posted a 89-25 record with Harbaugh at the helm.

The Wolverines signed Harbaugh to a five-year, $36.7-million contract extension in 2022 that will run through 2026.