Report: Michigan's Jim Harbaugh 'Could Be Suspended for the Bulk of the 2024 Season'

Despite accepting the Big Ten's three-game suspension for the alleged sign-stealing scheme, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh could still be subject to additional discipline from the NCAA.

Appearing on Big Noon Kickoff, Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports and The Athletic said Harbaugh "could be suspended for the bulk of the 2024 season" when the NCAA wraps up its investigation into the sign-stealing situation and alleged recruiting violations from a COVID-19 dead period in 2020.

The Big Ten originally announced Harbaugh's suspension on Nov. 10. Michigan filed for a temporary restraining order that was scheduled to be heard on Friday, but the school dropped it in exchange for accepting the suspension and the Big Ten agreeing to end its investigation into the sign-stealing allegations.

Even though the Big Ten is done with the situation, the NCAA's investigation remains ongoing. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel announced on Friday that linebackers coach Chris Partridge had been fired, though he didn't offer a reason for the decision.

Ross Dellenger and Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports reported Partridge acted "to cover up evidence" after learning of the NCAA investigation, though he was "not alleged at this time of knowing about the advanced scouting" being done by former staffer Connor Stalions.

Per a separate report from Dellenger, the NCAA presented evidence earlier this week to the University of Michigan that refers to a school booster named Tim Smith—identified as "Uncle T"—as having helped fund Stalions' scheme.

Smith denied being involved in the investigation in a phone conversation with Dellenger.

"I can give you good news," Smith said. "I don't recognize being known as 'Uncle T' and I will refute that myself. I never funded Connor. To say I knew him is perhaps overstating it. I said hi to him. I've spoken to him more since he left Michigan to make sure the young man is OK."

Dellenger and Wetzel noted the evidence Michigan was presented with by the NCAA "altered" the legal approach for the school and Harbaugh.

Harbaugh previously served a three-game suspension at the start of this season as part of Michigan's self-imposed sanctions in an attempt to satisfy the NCAA during its investigation into alleged recruiting violations.

The current three-game ban that Harbaugh is serving allows him to coach the Wolverines during the week, but he isn't allowed to attend games. His suspension is set to end after the regular-season finale against Ohio State next Saturday.

Any potential NCAA suspension for Harbaugh could increase his chances of returning to the NFL. The 59-year-old has already been linked to the Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders if those teams make a change at head coach.

The Raiders have already fired Josh McDaniels and named Antonio Pierce interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Matt Eberflus has a 6-21 record in two seasons with the Bears.

Harbaugh has an 81-25 record in nine seasons at Michigan. He has led the program to back-to-back Big Ten titles, with an opportunity for a third straight this season.

Prior to being hired by the Wolverines, Harbaugh had a successful four-year stint in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers. He went 44-19-1 with three playoff appearances, including a trip to Super Bowl 47.

Harbaugh most recently signed an extension with Michigan in February 2022 that ties him to the program through the 2026 season. There was a recent report the school rescinded another contract extension offer amid the sign-stealing investigation, though Harbaugh denied that was accurate.