Speculation surrounding Michigan football coach being suspended

Yesterday evening, it was reported by multiple insiders that investigations into the alleged illegal sign-stealing that the Wolverines are accused of might be worse than previously thought. Right now, it sounds like the Big Ten Conference is starting to work towards punishment for the Maize and Blue — one of the most talked about punishments would be to suspend Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh for two or more games, which would be massive considering the Wolverines will face Penn State and Ohio State later this month.

Speculation surrounding Michigan football coach being suspended

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh is about to lead his Wolverines against the Purdue Boilermakers later this evening, but for right now, all fans are focused on the investigation into alleged illegal sign-stealing. Connor Stalions, the low-level staffer who was at the center of this investigation, resigned from his position with the Michigan football program last night, which is a notable occurrence amid the investigation, to say the least.

With some crucial games coming up on the schedule, there is a growing belief that Michigan football — or the Big Ten Conference itself — may move to suspend Jim Harbaugh for a few games this fall.

“As this pushes forward, we’ve had three straight days of Petitti meeting about potential punishments for Michigan,” Pete Thamel said on Friday. “From what my understanding is, pushing forward, the most realistic punishment on the table is some type of suspension for Jim Harbaugh. When that would come, and it would not be before the Purdue game, and how long that is are some of the details that need to be meted out by the Big Ten. Or, if they decide to wait until the NCAA investigation finishes — this is a rare investigation that’s playing out in real-time. And the Big Ten, including by engaging with the NCAA this week, which is a hugely important step, is showing signs that there will be some type of action against Michigan.”

Big Ten Conference reportedly considering action against Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti was in Ann Arbor and met with U-M President Santa Ono shortly before Connor Stalions resigned on Friday. Again, there is no official punishment on the table just yet, though Thamel — and others — are reporting that the most likely in-season punishment for Michigan football will be a suspension for Jim Harbaugh. This remains speculation for the time being.

After hosting Purdue tonight, Michigan hits the road for a massive matchup at Penn State next weekend. The Wolverines then travel to Maryland in Week 12 and, finally, return to the Big House for a huge game against the No. 1-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes to finish the season.

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