Originally, Jim Harbaugh was expected to return to Ann Arbor to serve as honorary captain for Michigan’s season opener against Fresno State on Aug. 31.
However, Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore said Tuesday that his former boss has changed his mind and will instead remain with the Los Angeles Chargers rather than take a “deep, long bow” at his alma mater.
Harbaugh is coming off leading Michigan to its first national championship in 26 years. While it’s true that the Wolverines’ first game is only eight days before the Chargers’ Week 1 opener, it’s also possible Harbaugh wants to avoid coming home because of the ongoing controversies surrounding the Michigan program.
Last week, the NCAA slapped Harbaugh with a one-year suspension and four-year show cause through August 2028 as punishment for the coach’s recruiting violations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal involving former staff member Connor Stalions remains under investigation.
Harbaugh was asked about the Stalions accusations during a recent news conference, and he responded by saying he won’t be apologizing to the NCAA.
“Never lie. Never cheat. Never steal. I was raised with that lesson,” Harbaugh told reporters . “I have raised my family on that lesson. I have preached that lesson to the teams that I’ve coached.
“No one’s perfect. If you stumble, you apologize and you make it right,” he added. “Today, I do not apologize. I did not participate, was not aware nor complicit in those said allegations. So for me, it’s back to work and attacking with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.”
Michigan’s Week 1 game against Fresno State is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 31.
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