What Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan means for NCAA investigations looming over Wolverines program

Right now is a popular time to ask what’s next for Michigan. Questions come to mind like: Who will be the next Wolverines coach after Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the Chargers? Will Michigan promote Sherrone Moore or entertain a highly qualified collection of external hires? And, no matter who gets the job, how many players will enter the transfer portal in the NCAA-mandated 30-day window to change schools without penalty?

If all that weren’t enough, the program is still in the midst of two NCAA investigations. According to CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd, these ongoing investigations are a big reason why Harbaugh’s contract negotiations with Michigan included immunity from being terminated in the event he faces major violations from the NCAA.  

Harbaugh’s gone, but the NCAA issues very much remain. So what can we expect, and when will we see a resolution for the Wolverines? 

Two NCAA cases on different timelines

Michigan received a formal notice of allegations for the first case on Dec. 20, 2023. The program was charged with four Level II violations for illicit recruiting and coaching during the COVID-19 dead period, and Harbaugh faces a Level I violation for misleading investigators. The school self-imposed a three-game suspension for Harbaugh at the beginning of the season as well as a one-game suspension for Moore to try and mitigate the fallout from any potential penalties, but the NCAA Committee on Infractions rejected a negotiated resolution proposal. That means the case will go through the NCAA’s judicial process.

Then there’s a second — and much more controversial — investigation tied to prohibited off-campus scouting and sign-stealing. The NCAA has yet to issue an official notice of allegations, though reports surrounding the scandal suggests that that more violations are coming. 

Among those potential infractions is a Level I violation for Harbaugh under coach responsibility provision, which was updated in January 2023. The updated interpretation holds a head coach accountable for any actions of his/her staff that lead to Level I violations. That updated coach responsibility provision reportedly played a big role in why Harbaugh’s agent requested to update the language of his contract with Michigan. So if Connor Stalions — the staff member who allegedly guided the prohibited scouting operation — or any other assistant coach is charged with a Level I violation,…