Michigan football penalized for recruiting violations, placed on probation and fined following NCAA agreement

The Michigan football program has been hit with a three-year probation period, a fine, and recruiting restrictions after reaching an agreement with the NCAA’s enforcement staff. The penalties stem from recruiting violations and coaching activities by noncoaching staff members.

The NCAA announced on Tuesday that the university and five current or former members of the football staff accepted the deal, which came after infractions involving impermissible recruiting and coaching during the COVID-19 dead period. The violations were first brought to light in January 2023, with former head coach John Harbaugh facing a Level I violation for allegedly failing to cooperate with investigators.

The violations included texting during the dead period and allowing analysts to oversee on-field workouts and activities virtually. Michigan acknowledged its shortcomings in preventing impermissible recruiting contacts and agreed that the violations demonstrated a head coach responsibility violation.

As a result, Michigan will be on probation for three years, pay a fine, and face recruiting restrictions. The coaches involved in the violations are subject to a one-year show-cause order. Despite the penalties, Michigan had a successful 2023 season, going undefeated and winning the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

The NCAA investigation into allegations that former Michigan football staffer Connor Stallions orchestrated a sign-stealing operation is ongoing. Former head coach Harbaugh has since returned to the NFL to coach the Los Angeles Chargers. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.