The University of Michigan’s football program faced a multi-million-dollar fine, and head coach Sherrone Moore received an additional suspension as part of the signal-stealing scandal related to former staffer Connor Stallions.

The NCAA Violations Panel decided not to impose a lengthy postseason ban, noting that such a measure “would unfairly tag student-athletes for actions by coaches and staff who are no longer with the program”; instead, a financial penalty was deemed more appropriate. The University of Michigan said it would appeal the investigation’s findings and intends to file an appeal.

According to the NCAA, most of the sanctions relate to the illegal scouting scheme organized by Stallions, who worked on the staff of then-head coach Jim Harbaugh. Stallions received an eight-year show-cause order, which bars him from any involvement in sports during this period. Head coach Jim Harbaugh received a ten-year show-cause order, which will begin August 7, 2028, after a separate four-year order for another aspect of the recruiting saga that the NCAA closed last year.

In a Friday statement, the NCAA emphasized that the program under Harbaugh, now led by the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers, violated several provisions: off-campus in-person scouting, inappropriate actions during recruitment and interactions, the head coach’s accountability, lack of cooperation, and Michigan’s failure to oversee. CNN reached out to Harbaugh for comment, and ESPN, citing sources, noted that the total penalty could exceed $20 million in light of earlier Big Ten calculations and forecasts.

In Friday’s COI briefing they answered questions about why the wins in the games were not vacated, underscoring the difference between penalties and restoring records for teams.

“Vacating records is applied only when it concerns denying participation.”

– Norman Bay

According to the NCAA, Stallions over three seasons led and organized offline scouting of Michigan’s future opponents, building a network nicknamed “the KGB.” Per investigation materials, Stallions bought tickets and handed them to individuals who “recorded signals from players on the bench of future opponents, and then provided this video to Stallions.” This practice allowed detailed analysis of opponents’ signals, influencing Michigan’s tactics. In total, about $35,000 was spent on scouting in 2022; the NCAA documented 56 instances of offline scouting involving 13 upcoming opponents.

“The true scale of the scheme – including the advantage it conferred – will never be fully known due to deliberate destruction and withholding of materials,” the regulator emphasized.

Regarding Sherrone Moore, who was then serving as Harbaugh’s assistant, he was issued a two-year show-cause order and a three-game ban from participation in recruiting processes. Earlier, Michigan had suspended the head coach for two games in the current season, but the NCAA added another extended suspension, which will begin with the season’s first game of 2026–27 against Western Michigan, planned for a game in Germany. According to ESPN, Moore could miss Weeks 3 and 4 of this season: the games against Central Michigan on September 13 and against Nebraska on September 20.

“I am glad that this part of the process is finished.”

– Sherrone Moore

“I deeply respect the rules that govern college sports, and my goal is to always abide by those rules. I will continue to focus on our team and the 2025 season.”

– Sherrone Moore

“In short, his multiple and repeated violations of cooperation are among the worst the COI has ever seen.”

– NCAA Committee on Infractions

“This was not a factor in this case. Therefore, it was not a punishment that could be considered, and we did not apply it.”

– Norman Bay

The regulator notes that violations related to “signal-stealing” are not prohibited under NCAA rules unless electronic communication is used during play. However, off-campus scouting is prohibited. Under NCAA Regulation 11.6.1, in-person scouting of future opponents off campus in the same season is prohibited. In 2023, Harbaugh was suspended for three months of the season for recruiting violations, and in October of that year the NCAA opened a second wave of investigations, resulting in Stallions’ ouster and Chris Partridge’s firing. Partridge disputed any information about face-to-face or illegal scouting and stated that he did not destroy evidence.

Jim Harbaugh, in his statement, did not admit involvement in the signal-stealing scheme. In 2024, Michigan won the national championship against the Washington Huskies, and after that Harbaugh left the team to lead the Chargers. In August 2024, the NCAA announced a four-year show-cause order for Harbaugh in connection with the recruiting case and warned that he would be suspended if hired during the order. The ‘Black’ and ‘Yellow’ teams will begin the season on August 30 at home against NM Lobos (New Mexico). This was the latest version of the material taking into account additional information.

This article has been updated to reflect new information.