The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jim Harbaugh ‘not at liberty’ to discuss alleged violations
Since the start of the year, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and his program have taken hits: the NCAA alleging violations; the firing of co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss, who is in the midst of an ongoing police investigation into computer-access crimes in the football building; and Harbaugh’s NFL dance with the Denver Broncos.
Harbaugh is in his ninth season at Michigan, which opened spring practice Monday, and he addressed a number of issues during a news conference Thursday.
Michigan was alleged by the NCAA to have committed several Level II violations during the COVID-19 recruiting dead period in 2021, but Harbaugh is facing a Level I violation, the most severe, for allegedly lying to and misleading NCAA investigators. It is unclear at this point whether there will be a negotiated resolution with the NCAA, or if this will drag on for the next year. Weiss was “terminated” Jan. 20 after it was found during a university investigation review that day that he “inappropriately accessed” computer accounts, according to his termination letter. Also last month, Harbaugh drew interest from the Broncos about their opening. Broncos ownership even flew to Ann Arbor to meet with Harbaugh.
He was asked Thursday his comfort level with the negative headlines this offseason following Michigan’s 13-1 season that included a second consecutive Big Ten title and College Football Playoff appearance. “You’ve got to be in this building to really feel it,” he said. “Compare us to perfect, and we’re going to come up short in the major areas. Compare us to any other program, I think you’re going to see it doesn’t get any better.”
Asked about NFL conversations, Harbaugh filibustered about the interest his coaches have from NFL teams and mentioned defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who is being considered for Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator opening. “It’s an ongoing thing, something we treat as a really positive thing that NFL franchises ... have a lot of interest in all of our personnel, coaches, players, staff . ... People do what they think is best for them professionally and personally.”
But, is this the end of Harbaugh’s NFL flirtations? He chuckled for a moment. “I’m here as long as Michigan wants me here,” he said.
Harbaugh was asked if he will be at Michigan beyond the 2023 season. “That’s something you assess after every season,” he said.
Harbaugh said he doesn’t “really know anything” about Weiss — and if he did, he wouldn’t be able to comment. He said he’s “not at liberty” to discuss the NCAA situation. There has been speculation Harbaugh and Athletic Director Warde Manuel have a difficult relationship. Harbaugh has not been given a contract extension and the holdup seems to be the NCAA investigation.
“I feel like it’s a great relationship,” Harbaugh said of Manuel. “I trust Warde; he trusts me. As far as any kind of contract situation, we don’t even talk about that. I just ask, ‘Do you want me here at Michigan?’ after every season.”