Jim Harbaugh will not successfully pull off an end-around in court.
Last week, the Big Ten announced that Harbaugh would be suspended for Michigan’s final three regular-season conference games after the program was embroiled in a sign-stealing controversy.
Michigan unsuccessfully sought a temporary injunction that would have allowed Harbaugh to coach last Saturday against Penn State, which Michigan defeated 24-15, and there was set to be a court hearing Friday.
However, on Thursday, Michigan announced it was giving up the fight.
“This morning, the University, Coach Harbaugh, and the Big Ten resolved their pending litigation,” Michigan said in a statement.
“The Conference agreed to close its investigation, and the University and Coach Harbaugh agreed to accept the three-game suspension. Coach Harbaugh, with the University’s support, decided to accept this sanction to return the focus to our student-athletes and their performance on the field.
“The Conference has confirmed that it is not aware of any information suggesting Coach Harbaugh’s involvement in the allegations. The University continues to fully cooperate with the NCAA’s investigation.”
The remainder of Harbaugh’s suspension covers this week’s game against Maryland and next week’s rivalry matchup against Ohio State.
He is still permitted to coach Michigan in practice during the week.
Michigan has been accused of a sign-stealing scheme that was allegedly led by former Marine Connor Stalions, who allegedly traveled to numerous future Michigan opponents for the purposes of deciphering their offensive and defensive signals.
While sign-stealing is not technically illegal, NCAA bylaws have prohibited in-person advance scouting since 1994.
Stalions resigned from Michigan’s football program this month.
“I love the University of Michigan and its football program,” Stalions told The Athletic in a statement. “And I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to work with the incredible student athletes, coach [Jim] Harbaugh and the other coaches that have been a part of the Michigan football family during my tenure.”