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One of the best coaches in college football, Jim Harbaugh’s future at Michigan is suddenly in doubt after the university rescinded a new contract offer that would have made him the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten, according to the Wall Street Journal’s Andrew Beaton and Rachel Bachman.
The decision to retract the offer comes in light of the NCAA’s ongoing investigation into a sign-stealing scandal surrounding Harbaugh and the Wolverines program.
In 2022, Harbaugh agreed to a five-year, $36.7 million deal that would keep him at Michigan through 2026.
Despite signing a new contract just last year, the No. 2 Wolverines’ success this season put Harbaugh in line for yet another raise, which came to a screeching halt with the surfacing of the scandal.
On Oct. 20, Michigan suspended Connor Stalions—a football staff member—after a report that the NCAA was investigating the school for illegal in-person scouting of some of the program’s future opponents.
Several reports emerged that Stalions bought tickets to more than 30 games of Michigan’s future opponents over the past three years. ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Mark Schlabach also reported there was evidence at one of those games that a person sat in Stalion’s seat was recording the home team’s sideline the entire game.
Following the first allegations of the scandal, Harbaugh came out with a statement denying any involvement or knowledge of the situation.
“I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed staff members or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment,” Harbaugh said.
If the investigation finds Michigan guilty of the scandal it could mean huge repercussions for Harbaugh as it would be a Level I violation. The most serious punishment for a head coach for an infraction of that level can include suspension from coaching at any NCAA institution for a certain period of time.
Harbaugh has already had some recent issues with the NCAA for some alleged recruiting violations. It led to Michigan self-imposing a three-game suspension on Harbaugh to start this season.
That issue isn’t resolved yet as the NCAA and the school couldn’t come to an agreement on a resolution.
Harbaugh has a record of 79-25 since joining his alma mater as head coach. The Wolverines are 8-0 this season after making the College Football Playoff last season.
