The University of Michigan football program has been placed on a three-year probation by the NCAA after accepting an agreement with the enforcement staff. The violations stem from impermissible recruiting and coaching activities during the COVID-19 dead period. The university and five current or former members of the football staff agreed to the deal, which includes a fine and recruiting restrictions. The violations, which involved in-person recruiting contacts during the dead period, impermissible tryouts, and exceeding the number of allowed countable coaches, were initially reported in January 2023. Former head coach John Harbaugh faced a Level I violation for allegedly failing to cooperate with investigators.
As a result of the violations, Michigan acknowledged its shortcomings in preventing impermissible recruiting contacts and failing to ensure compliance with rules for noncoaching staff members. The agreement includes a three-year probation for the university, along with a fine and recruiting restrictions. The coaches involved in the violations are subject to a one-year show-cause order. The NCAA stated that the violations demonstrated a head coach responsibility violation, and the former head coach failed to cooperate with the investigation. The university also failed to deter and detect impermissible recruiting contacts.
Despite the probation and penalties, Michigan had a successful 2023 season, going undefeated and winning the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Washington Huskies. Former head coach John Harbaugh decided to return to the NFL and accepted a job as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. The investigation into allegations that former Michigan football staffer Connor Stallions helped orchestrate a sign-stealing operation remains ongoing and is a separate matter from the NCAA violations.
Moving forward, Michigan will need to address the violations outlined in the agreement with the NCAA and work to prevent similar infractions in the future. The university will be under strict scrutiny during its probation period, with additional penalties in place to ensure compliance with NCAA regulations. The coaching staff will need to adhere to the one-year show-cause order and maintain a strict adherence to recruiting rules and regulations. Despite the penalties and restrictions, Michigan’s football program will need to focus on maintaining its success on the field while also working to rebuild its reputation in the wake of the NCAA violations.
