Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh to serve as honorary captain at Michigan's season opener despite NCAA penalties

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The NCAA handed down a four-year show-cause order for former Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh after determining the coach had impermissible contact with recruits and players during the COVID-19 restricted period. 

The organization determined Harbaugh "engaged in unethical conduct, failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance and violated head coach responsibility obligations."  The governing body also ruled that Harbaugh was not truthful with investigators about meeting with recruits during the moratorium.

Despite the sanctions that were placed on Harbaugh, Michigan revealed plans to welcome back its national championship winning coach as an honorary captain for the football team's home opener later this month. The Wolverines host Fresno State on Aug. 31.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Newly appointed head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers speaks to the media during a press conference at YouTube Theater on February 01, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel expressed excitement about hosting Harbaugh in Ann Arbor to help kick off the 2024 season.

"I look forward to seeing him," Manuel said during an appearance on the 1 Star Recruits podcast this week. "He’ll be an honorary captain for our first game. I look forward to having him back in Ann Arbor for that game."

JIM HARBAUGH DENIES COMMITTING VIOLATIONS AFTER NCAA'S REPORTED NOTICE OF ALLEGATIONS: 'I DO NOT APOLOGIZE'

Although Harbaugh will be effectively barred from coaching at the college football level for the next few years, he is currently focused on preparing the Los