NCAA investigators interview Jim Harbaugh’s staff about sign-stealing scheme, AP

LARRY LAGE, Associated Press

4 mins ago

FILE – Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh gestures toward a referee during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Minneapolis. The NCAA banned in-person advanced scouting in 1994 in part because not every school could afford to do it. Now Michigan is being investigated by the NCAA for a sign-stealing scheme that allegedly involved people secretly being sent to record opponents’ games. No. 2 Michigan and the Big Ten acknowledged the investigation Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr, File)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — NCAA investigators have interviewed members of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh’s staff about a sign-stealing scheme, a person familiar with the governing body’s visit told The Associated Press.

The interviews were done Wednesday, the person said Thursday, speaking only on condition of anonymity because no one was authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation that has rocked the undefeated and second-ranked Wolverines on their march toward a potential spot in the College Football Playoff.

The NCAA inquiry was triggered by an outside firm’s investigation, which turned up videos of and documented plans and budgets for impermissible scouting of opponents. The Washington Post reported the firm obtained computer drives maintained and accessed by multiple Michigan coaches.

The firm presented evidence to the NCAA and suggested Connor Stalions, a low-level staffer who has been suspended by Michigan, was not the only person on staff aware of the scheme, according to the report. A second person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to the AP that an outside firm provided the NCAA with evidence, including photographs, videos and documents, that initiated the association’s investigation.

It was unclear who hired the firm to investigate Michigan. Both Michigan and the Big Ten have acknowledged the investigation.

Harbaugh, who is facing unresolved NCAA violations in a separate case tied to recruiting, has denied any knowledge or involvement in impermissible scouting of opponents.

The Wolverines (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) have won consecutive conference championships and reached the playoff semifinals each of the last two seasons. Michigan’s next game is Nov. 4 at home against Purdue.

The NCAA does not directly ban the stealing of signs, but there are rules against using electronic equipment to record an opponent’s signals and in-person, advanced scouting of future opponents in season. There are also rules against unsportsmanlike or unethical activities by coaches, and head coaches are generally considered to be responsible for violations that occur under their watch.

Stalions appeared to be purchasing tickets to the games of Michigan opponents and sending people to obtain video of the sideline signals used for calling in plays. There…