Can Jim Harbaugh return to Michigan? A look at LA Chargers HC’s potential options following NCAA notice

Jim Harbaugh left Michigan earlier this year following a successful nine-year tenure in Ann Arbor. He left the program for the Los Angeles Chargers amid a sign-stealing allegation that clouded the Wolverines' 2023-24 national championship-winning season.

According to an NCAA draft obtained by ESPN, Jim Harbaugh now faces accusations of non-cooperation in the ongoing sign-stealing investigation. He allegedly refused to grant the NCAA access to relevant messages and phone records from his personal cell phone.

The draft says Harbaugh could face a "show-cause" restriction if he ever returns to college sports. While it would be hard, a return to Michigan isn't impossible. The Wolverines or any other college football program will have to convince the NCAA that he has been sufficiently punished to hire him.

Jim Harbaugh has always denied knowledge of the sign-stealing operation

Jim Harbaugh has always denied having any knowledge that the alleged sign-stealing operation was going on within the program. He also noted that he directed no one to conduct such an operation at Michigan in a statement released after the allegation was made public.

“I do 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 participate in an off-campus scouting assignment,” Harbaugh said.

“I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action. I do not condone or tolerate anyone doing anything illegal or against NCAA rules.”

It’s worth noting that the draft of allegations does not present any evidence that Harbaugh was involved in or aware of the sign-stealing operation. However, it claims that he failed to actively search for or assess potential red flags while in charge at Michigan.

Jim Harbaugh leads a host of names to be punished by the NCAA

Jim Harbaugh is among the seven members of the 2023 Michigan program accused of violating NCAA regulations in a notice of allegation obtained by ESPN. His successor at Michigan, Sherrone Moore, is also a notable name on the list of individuals.

It can't be confirmed what the punishment would look like for each of them as the draft is subjected to potential changes. However, each has been accused of a level 1 or level 2 violation according to the notice of allegation.

Harbaugh has previously served a suspension on the sign-stealing allegation in his last days at Michigan. As a penalty for Michigan violating the conference's sportsmanship policy, the Big Ten suspended Harbaugh for the final three games of the 2023 regular season.