Harbaugh won't serve as honorary captain for Michigan's season opener

Former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh won't serve as a Wolverines honorary captain for their season opener against Fresno State, head boss Sherrone Moore said Tuesday, per Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.

The 60-year-old called Moore on Monday to let him know he won't be attending the contest as he wants to focus on his Los Angeles Chargers squad, Moore added.

Harbaugh's parents, Jack and Jackie, will stand in for him. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said on the "1 Star Recruits" podcast last week that Harbaugh accepted an invitation to be Michigan's honorary captain.

The NCAA handed the former Wolverines head coach a four-year show-cause order last week for impermissible contact with recruits and players during the COVID-19 pandemic. The order effectively bans Harbaugh from college athletics until 2028.

Harbaugh led Michigan to a 34-13 victory over Washington in the national title game last season. He accepted the Chargers head coaching job after spending nine years with the Wolverines, totaling an 89-25 record.