The NFL won’t be a simple escape route for Jim Harbaugh if he chooses to return to the professionals.
With the Michigan coach under fire after Wolverines staffer Connor Stalions was suspended for an alleged illegal sign-stealing scheme, it stays to be seen if Harbaugh, who denied having any knowledge of the alleged plot, will face a suspension.
If he does and he desires to return to the NFL, the league would likely make Harbaugh serve a suspension, in keeping with NFL.com.
Harbaugh, who has been Michigan’s head coach since 2015, served a school-issued three-game suspension earlier this 12 months for alleged recruiting violations during a restricted COVID-19 period and for not cooperating with investigators.
When former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor faced a five-game ban for trading memorabilia for money and tattoos, the NFL made Pryor serve the ban after he was chosen by the Raiders within the 2011 supplemental draft.
And when former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel was suspended five games over the scandal and resigned to grow to be a consultant for the Colts, Indianapolis kept Tressel out until Week 7.
Harbaugh, 59, interviewed for head coaching jobs with the Vikings and Broncos previously two offseasons, respectively.
Because the 49ers head coach, he led the team to 3 consecutive NFC Championship games, reaching the Super Bowl within the 2012 season, when he lost to his brother, John Harbaugh, and the Ravens.
Harbaugh was asked in September about his interest within the NFL and he released an announcement in response through Michigan’s media relations department, saying, “My wife, dad or brother, the people I trust probably the most, could be the one individuals that I’d speak with regarding my future, and we now have not had that conversation.”
Harbaugh and his program allegedly scouted future in-season opponents in person, in keeping with a report by Yahoo Sports, which has been prohibited in college for many years.
“I would not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed any staff member or others to take part in an off-campus scouting task,” he said in an announcement. “I don’t have any awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that motion. I don’t condone or tolerate anyone doing anything illegal or against NCAA rules.”
The NCAA has not yet ruled a punishment for the recruiting violations and non-cooperation with investigators, and if one other violation amongst his staff emerges from the alleged sign-stealing case, it could lead on to an extended suspension.
Harbaugh was a former NFL quarterback, playing for the Bears, Colts, Ravens and Chargers.
Michigan currently sits 8-0 this season and is ranked No. 2 within the nation.