NCAA
How long is Jim Harbaugh suspended for? When will he return to the Wolverines’ sideline?
Michigan is under investigation by the NCAA for recruiting violations, and Harbaugh is suspended for allegedly misleading investigators. When will Harbaugh be back?
The Michigan Wolverines are entering Week 3 of the college football season in a manner that aligns with expectations. They have secured convincing victories in their first two games, albeit against significantly weaker opponents. Consequently, Michigan currently holds the No. 2 position in the latest college football rankings. However, it’s important to highlight that Jim Harbaugh, the head coach, has been under suspension during this initial period.
Harbaugh has not been present on the sidelines for the team’s first two games of the season against East Carolina and UNLV, and he will remain absent when the Wolverines face Bowling Green in Week 3.
When will Jim Harbaugh be back?
This suspension was self-imposed following a series of unusual developments. Initially, the NCAA had agreed to a four-game suspension for Harbaugh, but they later reversed that decision. Subsequently, Michigan and Harbaugh took it upon themselves to enforce this suspension, seemingly in an effort to avoid potentially more severe penalties from the NCAA in the future. The suspension appears to be linked to allegations of providing meals to recruits in Ann Arbor.
Related: How many National Championships have the Ohio State Buckeyes football team won?
So, when is Harbaugh expected to return from his suspension?
The 59-year-old former quarterback from Ohio is set to rejoin the Michigan football team starting in Week 4 when the Wolverines face Rutgers in Ann Arbor. The head coach is serving a self-imposed three-game suspension, with the final game of the suspension occurring this week against Bowling Green.
Thus far, the level of competition faced by Michigan has not significantly impacted the team’s performance in the absence of Harbaugh. Their talent has allowed them to excel even without his presence on the field. However, it is fortunate for the Wolverines that Harbaugh will be back on the sidelines as they commence Big Ten play. While Rutgers may not pose a substantial threat in itself, this marks the beginning of their preparations for more challenging matchups scheduled for later in the season.