Former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh addressed the NCAA’s recent notice of allegations on Monday, asserting his innocence regarding 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 stated, 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, revealed that Harbaugh and new Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore are among seven members of the Wolverines’ 2023 football program accused of violating NCAA rules.
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The draft accuses Moore of committing a Level II violation, while Harbaugh, along with former Michigan staff members Chris Partridge, Denard Robinson, and Connor Stalions, are accused of 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 to 2023.
The 60-year-old led Michigan to a national title last season, a campaign marred by controversy. The Big Ten suspended Harbaugh for three games last year due to the NCAA’s investigation into Michigan over allegations of sign-stealing.
The NCAA’s recent notice of allegations indicates that Moore could face a suspension for allegedly deleting 52 text messages with Stalions, who is at the center of the scandal.
While the NCAA’s draft does not include evidence of Harbaugh’s direct involvement in the Stalions operation, it suggests that 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. This charge is unrelated to the sign-stealing allegations.
