Michigan's Jim Harbaugh To Coach All Games In '23 As NCAA Delays, But Could Get Stricter Punishment As This Ain't No 'Cheeseburger'

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh may never be suspended for allegedly breaking NCAA rules in 2020 by recruiting during COVID-19 dead periods.

The NCAA Committee on Infractions will be taking a closer look at his alleged infractions. And it will not be sticking to a previous agreement that would have suspended Harbaugh for only the first four games of the 2023 season, according to a report by Yahoo.com's Dan Wetzel Saturday afternoon. The NCAA had to approve that agreement, and did not.

The case could stretch into 2024, which could mean no suspensions until the following fall. And considering how often Harbaugh has considered a jump back to the NFL, he could skate away.

NCAA vice president of hearing operations Derrick Crawford doesn't sound like he is fooling around.

"The Michigan infractions case is related to impermissible on and off-campus recruiting during the COVID-19 dead period and impermissible coaching activities - not a cheeseburger," Crawford said in an NCAA statement. "The Committee on Infractions may reject (a ruling, such as the previous four-game suspension) if it determines that the agreement is not in the best interests of the NCAA or the penalties are not reasonable."

So, sounds like Harbaugh could be suspended for more than four games in 2024, if he is still coaching.

Harbaugh apparently made false statements to the NCAA about his recruiting during dead periods in 2020, which could fall under the most serious violations - Level 1. It's not wise to lie to the NCAA, as many have learned.

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh guided the Wolverines to their second straight Big Ten title last season. (Getty Images).

"It is not uncommon for the NCAA to seek clarification on key facts prior to accepting," Crawford said.

Michigan And Harbaugh Open Season Vs. E. Carolina Sept. 2

OutKick later confirmed through a Michigan source that Harbaugh expects to coach the entire 2023 season. The Wolverines open the season on Sept. 2 at noon against East Carolina on Peacock. The next three games Harbaugh at first was going to miss were all at home against UNLV, Bowling Green and Rutgers.

Harbaugh, 59, is coming off his best season at Michigan after a rocky start. The Wolverines finished 13-1 last season and 9-0 in the Big Ten for its second straight conference title. Michigan was 12-2 and 8-1 in the 2021 season. The Wolverines also reached the College Football Playoff for the second straight year last season and beat Ohio State for the second straight time. Harbaugh had lost his first five games to the hated Buckeyes.

The Coaches preseason poll ranked Michigan No. 2 last week.

Could New NCAA Be Cracking Down?

The NCAA's continued investigation of Harbaugh and Michigan could result in a hearing.

"If the involved parties cannot resolve a case through the negotiated resolution process, it may proceed to a hearing," Crawford continued. "But the committee believes cooperation is the best avenue to quickly resolve issues."

And telling the truth.

The NCAA has been under a new president in Charlie Baker, the former Republican governor of Massachusetts, since March 1. The NCAA was notoriously weak and slow in punishing schools for rules violations under former president Mark Emmert. Maybe, times are changing.