Jim Harbaugh denies role in Michigan sign-stealing scandal
Former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh addressed the NCAA's recent notice of allegations Monday, saying he was uninvolved in and unaware of the Wolverines' potential sign-stealing violations.
"Today, I do not apologize. I did not participate, was not aware nor complicit in those said allegations," Harbaugh said in a statement, according to The Athletic's Daniel Popper. "So for (me), it's back to work and attacking with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind."
A draft of the NCAA's notice of allegations recently obtained by ESPN's Dan Murphy and Pete Thamel said Harbaugh and new Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore are among seven members from the Wolverines' 2023 football program accused of violating NCAA rules.
The draft accuses Moore of committing a Level II violation. Harbaugh - as well as former Michigan staff members Chris Partridge, Denard Robinson, and Connor Stalions - of committing more serious Level I infractions.
Michigan hired Moore, an assistant with the school since 2018, this year to replace Harbaugh. Harbaugh returned to the NFL as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers after coaching the Wolverines from 2015-23. The 60-year-old helped Michigan win the national title last season in what was a tumultuous campaign for the school. The Big Ten suspended him for three games last year as a result of the NCAA's investigation into Michigan over allegations of sign-stealing.
The NCAA's recent notice of allegations states Moore could face a suspension for allegedly deleting 52 text messages with Stalions, who's at the center of the scandal.
The NCAA's draft doesn't include evidence regarding Harbaugh's involvement in the Stalions operation. However, it states Harbaugh could face a show-cause restriction if he returns to college sports for failing to actively evaluate red flags, according to Murphy and Thamel.
In December, the NCAA notified the Wolverines that Harbaugh is facing a Level I violation for alleged recruiting infractions by the football staff. That charge is unrelated to the sign-stealing allegations.