Jim Harbaugh tight-lipped after NCAA drops harsh Michigan punishment
The Michigan Wolverines have received some intense sanctions from the NCAA for the sign-stealing scandal that occurred under Harbaugh’s tenure.
The NCAA is fining the University of Michigan tens of millions of dollars and suspending current head coach Sherrone Moore for a third game after the sign-stealing scandal that occurred during Jim Harbaugh’s tenure.
The NCAA said it had “overwhelming” evidence of a cover-up by Harbaugh’s staff but stopped short of banning Michigan from the postseason to avoid punishing current players. Harbaugh has consistently denied knowledge of the illicit scouting operation led by Connor Stalions.
The NCAA memorialized what we’d long suspected about Michigan football under Jim Harbaugh.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) August 15, 2025
These guys lied to people’s faces. Over and over and over.
While the Wolverines will get to keep their national title, the reputational hit they've taken is no small thing, @slmandel… pic.twitter.com/qS1VMBS5gu
Harbaugh refuses to speak on Michigan scandal and punishment
After winning the national championship with Michigan in January 2024, Harbaugh left college football and rejoined the NFL as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. He faces a 14-year show-cause order (four years for recruiting violations plus an additional 10 for the scandal), effectively barring him from returning to college football.
When asked about the scandal and Michigan’s punishment after the Chargers’ 23-22 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Harbaugh refused to speak on it.
“Like I said to you last year, not engaging,” Harbaugh said. “Not engaging.”
Michigan has vowed to appeal, arguing the NCAA misinterpreted its own rules. Moore, Harbaugh’s longtime assistant and successor, will serve suspensions in September and again for the Wolverines’ 2026 season opener in Germany.
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