University of Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh is working on a settlement with the NCAA for making false statements during an investigation of the school’s football program.
The agreement likely will result in him being suspended for four games, Yahoo Sports reported on Tuesday.
The resolution must be approved by the NCAA Committee on Infractions, Yahoo said.
Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel released a statement on Tuesday, the Detroit Free Press reported.
“We are continuing to work cooperatively with the NCAA staff on an enforcement matter. At this time, we cannot comment further on any aspect of the matter,” Manuel said.
The Detroit News confirmed the Yahoo report, it said, and reached out to Harbaugh’s attorney, Tom Mars, for comment.
“We are continuing to work cooperatively with the NCAA staff on an enforcement matter,” Mars wrote in a text to The Detroit News on Tuesday. “At this time, we are not allowed to comment on possible penalties or other aspects of the matter.”
Michigan, which finished 13-1 last season and likely will be in the top 10 of most preseason polls, opens the season at home on September 2 against East Carolina.
The Wolverines then play UNLV and Bowling Green at home before a Big Ten match-up with Rutgers on September 23.
Harbaugh is scheduled to speak at the Big Ten’s media days, previewing the conference’s season, on Thursday.
“Michigan is unable to comment since this is an ongoing case,” Michigan football spokesman Dave Ablauf told The Detroit News.
Harbaugh and Michigan received an NCAA Notice of Allegations on January 5. The letter alleged Level I and Level II violations, including a charge that Harbaugh lied to and misled investigators.
Beginning his ninth season in Ann Arbor, Harbaugh has a 74-25 record with the Wolverines. He played quarterback for the Wolverines from 1983 to 1986.
The NCAA investigation has delayed a contract extension for the coach, who is frequently mentioned with NFL openings arise.
Michigan made the college football playoffs last season, losing 51-45 to TCU in the semifinals.
