Michigan is imposing a three-game suspension on head coach Jim Harbaugh following an NCAA investigation into recruiting violations, the school announced Monday.

Harbaugh informed the team and staff members Monday that he’ll serve the suspension, sources told The Associated Press’ Ralph D. Russo.

Michigan’s self-imposed ban comes after the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions rejected the school’s proposed four-game suspension earlier in August.

 

“While the ongoing NCAA matter continues through the NCAA process, today’s announcement is our way of addressing mistakes that our department has agreed to in an attempt to further that process,” athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement.

The school said it will name an interim coach during Harbaugh’s absence at a later date.

School officials believe the ban is consistent with the NCAA’s ruling in similar cases, according to The Athletic’s Austin Meek. The NCAA could still pursue further punishment at a later date.

The Wolverines’ infractions case is related to impermissible on- and off-campus recruiting trips during the COVID-19 dead period. Harbaugh received a Level I violation after the NCAA accused him of being dishonest during its investigation into the violations.

The NCAA also reportedly looked into Michigan having analysts perform on-field coaching duties during practice while coaches monitored player workouts via Zoom.

Harbaugh will miss the Wolverines’ first three matchups against non-conference opponents: East Carolina, UNLV, and Bowling Green. The 59-year-old would be eligible to return for the team’s Big Ten opener against Rutgers on Sept. 23.

The Wolverines have made back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff. Michigan finished its 2022 campaign with a 13-1 record, the lone loss coming in the CFP semifinal against TCU at the Fiesta Bowl.

Michigan starts the season ranked No. 2 in the AP Poll.

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