What was Jim Harbaugh’s record at Michigan before Connor Stallions joined? Exploring the veteran coach's stats amid NCAA investigation

The Michigan Wolverines are in hot water again, as the NCAA's investigation into the program's sign stealing continues. The consequences of this investigation will not only only affect the football program, but also those who used to work for it.

This includes coach Jim Harbaugh and staffer Connor Stallions, who was heavily involved with the scandal.

Harbaugh left the Wolverines after leading them to the 2024 national championship, and is now the coach of the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL. But what was his record as Michigan coach, and how much did the sign stealing by Stallions affect it?

What was Jim Harbaugh's record before Connor Stallions arrived?

Jim Harbaugh joined the Michigan Wolverines in 2015, after a four-year stint in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers. Connor Stallions was hired by Michigan as an offensive analyst in 2022, but had worked with the program on a voluntary basis for a few years beforehand.

This means that Harbaugh had seven seasons without Stallions on the sidelines. In those seven years, Harbaugh recorded 65 wins and 24 losses, giving him a win percentage of 73%.

In contrast, the nearly two seasons with Stallions, he was very successful, with the Wolverines only losing one game, having a win percentage of 96%.

While this means that Harbaugh was more successful with Stallions than without him, what Stallions did may not have been the only reason for this.

This period coincides with the Wolverines having J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum, among others on the roster, and they were one of the strongest teams in college football.

How has Jim Harbaugh reacted to the NCAA investigation?

Jim Harbaugh has given his reaction to the NCAA's update on the sign-stealing investigation. He told reporters during a press conference at the Chargers training camp on Monday:

"Never lie. Never cheat. Never steal. I was raised with that lesson, I have raised my family on that lesson. I have preached that lesson to the teams that I've coached. No one's perfect. If you stumble, you apologize and you make it right. Today, I do not apologize. I did not participate, was not aware, nor complicit in those said allegations. So, for me, it's back to work and attacking with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind."

While Harbaugh denies any connection to or knowledge of the scandal, the NCAA isn't yet convinced. They have named him and current coach Sherrone Moore as being involved, with Harbaugh facing a 'Level I violation' and Moore a 'Level II violation' charge. This could lead to serious consequences for both men.

They are both considered 'repeat offenders' in the eyes of the NCAA and, if found to be involved, they are likely to face suspensions. For Moore, this may result in him not being able to coach at a few games (similar to what Harbaugh had on two occasions last season).

While for Harbaugh, a ban will not affect his current job in the NFL, it would if he decides to return to college football one day.