Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh reportedly expected a new contract from the school that would have put him atop the Big Ten. Now, according to a report from Wall Street JournalMichigan does not follow up on the offer.
The new contract has been under discussion in Ann Arbor for some time now, before the sign-stealing allegations surfaced.
Now, the school is reportedly having second thoughts about giving Harbaugh such a lucrative contract, especially one with a significant buyout. THE WSJ reports that the school is not going to present him or his agent with a new contract.
There are currently numerous investigations underway regarding Michigan football or former coaches. The NCAA’s ongoing investigation into recruiting infractions dating back to Covid-19 was at the forefront of the suspension to start the season.
After both sides thought they had reached a conclusion, the NCAA decided to wait. Then, Michigan and Jim Harbaugh imposed a three-game suspension on himself, in hopes of facing possible sanctions from the NCAA.
This was obviously a risky move, as the NCAA might view this suspension as not harsh enough, which is another reason why the process is still ongoing.
NCAA investigating Michigan and Connor Stalions for sign-stealing scheme
According to an article in the Washington Post, an outside law firm has evidence that could cause new problems in Michigan. The Post reports that the investigation into Michigan began earlier this season and that the law firm has video evidence from computer hard drives used by several coaches, not just Connor Stalions.
The NCAA visited Michigan’s campus last week to investigate the allegations, while also interviewing football staff. It should be noted that this process not only involves assistant coaches, but also individuals employed by the football program, from paid interns to recruiting assistants.
A WSJ report says the law firm has evidence showing participants were going to spend about $15,000 during the 2023 season to gather information on upcoming and potential opponents. The company also reportedly has photos of those involved in the operation, with evidence that the game videos were then downloaded to the hard drive of a computer used by Connor Stallions and other Michiganders coaches.
We’re all waiting to see what the NCAA uncovers during its investigation, including in the Big Ten Conference. If there were to be any punishment this season, it would likely come from the Big Ten, not the NCAA.
While all of this is happening, the first College Football Playoff rankings will be released Tuesday night. The new rankings should put Michigan second, but we’ll see what the committee thinks about its schedule.
Regardless, the CFP committee will have a number of questions about whether the sign-stealing allegations have had or will have an impact on the Wolverines’ standings.
