Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh has flirted with an NFL return in recent years. If one of the winningest coaches in college football is hoping the NFL saves him from the Wolverins’ sign-stealing scandal, he might have to look elsewhere.
The FBI and NCAA have begun investigations into allegations of an elaborate sign-stealing operation conducted by the Wolverines’ football program. While an inquiry is still in its early stages, rival coaches have already come forward with more allegations with one former Michigan assistant claiming he was paid to record opponents’ signals.
- Jim Harbaugh coaching record: 82-25 with Michigan Wolverines
Related: Michigan Wolverines’ star leaning towards surprise choice on 2024 return
Depending on the findings from the investigation, Harbaugh and the Wolverines’ football program could face significant discipline from the NCAA. As the investigation unfolds with more troubling allegations emerging, some have speculated that Harbaugh could bolt for safety in the NFL.
However, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the NFL is unlikely to make itself a “safe harbor” for Harbaugh to help him escape from potential discipline imposed by the NCAA following the conclusion of its inquiry.
- Jim Harbaugh NFL record: 44-19-1
Keep in mind that Harbaugh already served a three-game suspension earlier this season that was self-imposed by Michigan. Amid an NCAA investigation into alleged violations during the COVID-19 dead period, the Wolverines handed down their own suspension for Harbaugh in an attempt to appeal to the NCAA.
While there are no rules in the NFL forbidding a team from hiring a head coach who faces a potential NCAA suspension, there is a precedent for clubs respecting a college coach’s suspension.
Related: Week 10 college football rankings
In fact, there are instances of it happening with a player and coach. Former Ohio State Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel was hired by the Indianapolis Colts as a game-day consultant in 2011. However, the team made him serve a six-game suspension that he was supposed to serve in the NCAA.
Likewise, former Buckeyes’ quarterback Terrelle Pryor was suspended five games by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he left college to avoid serving a five-game NCAA ban for trading memorabilia for cash. With both cases likely serving as precedent, the ongoing investigation into Michigan could result in the NFL matching whatever suspension Harbaugh would receive from the NCAA.
Before word of the sign-stealing operation was reported, Harbaugh seemed to be emerging as a popular NFL coaching candidate for the upcoming offseason. Now, he could face the ramifications in the NFL or NCAA for an operation that has become the biggest college football scandal in years.