Michigan football coach may not have a safe harbor

Many analysts are speculating that 9th-year Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh may be eying a return to the NFL ranks, especially seeing as his program is in the crosshairs of a few investigations and the national media right now. Harbaugh, who is 33-3 overall since 2021, has interviewed for two pro coaching jobs over the past few offseasons, though ultimately stayed at Michigan in both instances. Now, amid NCAA investigation and daily media headlines, reports state that Harbaugh may not have a “safe harbor” back among the professional ranks.

Michigan football coach may not have a “safe harbor” in the NFL

This weekend, Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football had a bye week — the Wolverines are 8-0 overall (5-0 Big Ten) and ranked No. 2 in the nation after crushing Michigan State 49-0 in East Lansing last weekend. Next weekend, Michigan returns to action, hosting the Purdue Boilermakers at the Big House.

Still, despite this being Michigan’s bye week, the past few days have been quite eventful for the Maize and Blue. From an ongoing battle over ‘Burgergate’ to a new investigation into Connor Stalions and his alleged sign-stealing ring and the FBI’s involvement in the Matt Weiss case, it seems as if the Wolverines cannot catch a break right now.

Amid scandal, it’s clear that some form of punishment is coming for the veteran Michigan football coach, though the severity remains unknown. Yesterday, NFL insiders Ian Rappaport and Tom Pelissaro reported (NFL.com) that the NFL will likely not be a “safe harbor” for Jim Harbaugh, assuming the NCAA’s punishments for the Wolverines will be more than just a slap on the wrist.

“The NFL is unlikely to make itself a safe harbor for Harbaugh to escape what could be substantial NCAA discipline, league sources say,” the report read. “Raising the strong possibility, Harbaugh would need to serve some or all of any possible suspension he could face in college if he returns to the pros.”

Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines will likely get to finish the 2023 season

Despite the outside noise, it has been reported that the NCAA will likely not be able to do anything about the Michigan football scandal until after the 2023 season concludes — this is massive news for the Wolverines, who appear to be a potential contender for the national championship this year.

Additionally, analysts and insiders are quite doubtful that the College Football Playoff committee will do anything to Michigan this year, and it sounds like the Big Ten has far less evidence against the Maize and Blue than the NCAA does — all of this indicates that Jim Harbaugh and his team will get to finish the season.

From there, things are unclear. The NCAA could try to bring the hammer down on Michigan football over a vague rule that it has already endorsed as giving a minimal competitive advantage — this would likely open them up to a legit lawsuit, which is something everyone wants to avoid.

On the other hand, thinking that Michigan football and Jim Harbaugh won’t get any punishment is just as foolish. Something will be done, but it will likely be done after the season, and the severity of the case is still largely unknown, especially since the NCAA has yet to interview the Wolverines’ coaching staff amid the investigation.

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