Big Ten bans Michigan's Jim Harbaugh from sideline




Yes, the Big Ten Conference suspended Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh from the sidelines for the remainder of the 2023 regular season due to the program's violation of the conference's sportsmanship policy. The conference found that Michigan had conducted "an impermissible, in-person scouting operation over multiple years" that gave the team an unfair competitive advantage.

Harbaugh's suspension began on November 11, 2023, and he was unable to be on the sidelines for Michigan's games against Penn State, Maryland, and Ohio State. He was still able to coach the team in practice during the week.

The Big Ten's decision to suspend Harbaugh was controversial, with some arguing that it was too harsh and others arguing that it was necessary to send a message to other programs. The NCAA is also investigating Michigan's sign-stealing operation, and it is possible that the university could face additional penalties.

is a timeline of the events leading up to Harbaugh's suspension:

  • October 6, 2023: The Big Ten Conference announces that it is investigating Michigan for potential violations of its sportsmanship policy.
  • October 27, 2023: The Big Ten Conference announces that it has found Michigan in violation of its sportsmanship policy.
  • November 10, 2023: The Big Ten Conference announces that it is suspending Jim Harbaugh from the sidelines for the remainder of the regular season.
  • November 11, 2023: Harbaugh's suspension begins.

The NCAA's investigation into Michigan's sign-stealing operation is ongoing, and it is possible that further penalties will be levied against the program