Former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh addressed the NCAA’s recent notice of allegations on Monday, stating his lack of involvement and awareness 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 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, obtained by ESPN’s Dan Murphy and Pete Thamel, lists Harbaugh and new Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore among seven members of the Wolverines’ 2023 football program accused of violating NCAA rules.
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, is accused of committing more serious Level I infractions.
Michigan hired Moore, who has been an assistant with the school since 2018, to replace Harbaugh this year. Harbaugh returned to the NFL as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers after coaching the Wolverines from 2015 to 2023. Last season, the 60-year-old helped Michigan win the national title amid a tumultuous campaign. The Big Ten suspended him for three games last year due to the NCAA’s investigation into Michigan over sign-stealing allegations.
The NCAA’s recent notice of allegations states Moore could face a suspension for allegedly deleting 52 text messages with Stalions, who is at the center of the scandal.
The draft does not include evidence regarding Harbaugh’s involvement in the Stalions operation. However, it states 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. That charge is unrelated to the sign-stealing allegations.
