imeline: Michigan’s NCAA Scandals Late in Harbaugh’s Tenure
January 2023
The NCAA accused Michigan of committing recruiting violations during the COVID-19 dead period. Harbaugh’s refusal to admit misleading investigators stalled settlement talks.
August 2023
Michigan self-imposed a three-game suspension at the start of the season for Harbaugh. In the same period, Sherrone Moore, Jesse Minter, Jay Harbaugh, and Mike Hart co-coached those games.
October 18–19, 2023
The NCAA notified Michigan and the Big Ten of compelling evidence of an illicit, multi-year, off-campus sign-stealing operation, led by analyst Connor Stalions. Yahoo Sports broke the story the next day.
October 20, 2023
Connor Stalions was suspended with pay as reports intensified.
November 2023
The Big Ten issued Harbaugh another three-game suspension tied to the sign-stealing controversy. Michigan canceled a planned court challenge, and Harbaugh agreed to serve the suspension. During his absence, Moore took over coaching duties. The Wolverines finished the regular season undefeated.
January 8, 2024
Michigan secured a perfect 15–0 season and claimed the College Football National Championship. NCAA President Charlie Baker subsequently affirmed the title was “won its national title ‘fair and square’.”
January 24, 2024
Harbaugh departed Michigan to become head coach of the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers. Moore was promoted to permanent head coach.
August 7, 2024
The NCAA penalized Harbaugh with a four-year show-cause order (through August 6 2028) and a one-season suspension for Level I-aggravated recruiting violations during the COVID-19 period.
August 25, 2024
Michigan received a formal Notice of Allegations in the sign-stealing case—ten people, including Moore, were implicated. Moore was accused of deleting relevant text messages with Stalions.
April–May 2025
Assistant coaches Jesse Minter and Steve Clinkscale were issued show-cause orders (one-year and two-year, respectively) for recruiting violations. Michigan self-imposed a two-game suspension for Moore, set for Central Michigan and Nebraska.
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