In recent news, it has been suggested that Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh may face substantial NCAA discipline for various alleged violations.
Sources have indicated that the NFL is unlikely to serve as a safe harbor for Harbaugh to escape these potential consequences, suggesting that he may need to serve any possible suspension if he returns to the professional level.
The NFL is already making it known that Jim Harbaugh might not have an escape route to the NFL, potential antitrust/collusion implications be damned. https://t.co/vC27rMPmxE
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 29, 2023
While there is no specific bylaw governing this matter, a precedent set by former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel sheds light on how the NFL and its teams might handle a college suspension for a coach.
Tressel was suspended for five games by Ohio State and ultimately resigned amidst scandal.
Interestingly, he had taken a game-day consultant job with the Colts, leading to questions about the NFL’s stance on his suspension.
In consultation with the league, the Colts announced that Tressel would not be with the club until Week 7 of the 2011 season, effectively treating it as a suspension.
This incident sent a clear message that leaving college for the pros does not grant immunity from disciplinary actions.
Drawing from this similar incident, it is possible that Harbaugh could face a similar situation.
Over the past two offseasons, Harbaugh has interviewed for head coaching positions with the Vikings and Broncos, indicating his interest in returning to the NFL.
However, based on the Tressel case, it is likely that the league would allow the team to handle any potential college suspension.
This could result in Harbaugh serving a suspension with an NFL team, should he decide to make the transition back to the professional level.
Jim Harbaugh has a successful background in the NFL, having coached the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014.
During his tenure, he achieved a record of 49-22-1, including three NFC Championship Game appearances and a trip to the Super Bowl.
Following the 2014 season, Harbaugh left the NFL to coach his alma mater, the University of Michigan.
When asked about his potential interest in returning to the NFL, Harbaugh responded through the team’s media relations department, stating that he would only discuss his future with his trusted inner circle.
Recently, Yahoo! Sports broke the story that the NCAA is investigating a sign-stealing operation allegedly orchestrated by a low-level Michigan staff member.
This operation allegedly involved in-person scouting of future opponents during the season, which is prohibited in college football.
Although, no direct connection between Harbaugh and the sign-stealing operation has been established. However, Harbaugh’s potential discipline is not absolved by this lack of a direct link.
The NCAA has yet to rule on the recruiting violations and non-cooperation case involving Harbaugh, and any violations related to the sign-stealing scheme could further compound his potential discipline.
At present, Michigan has not had a game due to a bye week. The team has been performing well, with an 8-0 record and a No. 2 ranking in the nation.
However, the cloud of NCAA investigation and potential discipline looms over Harbaugh and the program.
