San Diego Chargers came to the organization after leading the Michigan Wolverines to a national championship. However, it was a controversial season, as the Wolverines were accused of running an advanced illegal scouting operation, allowing them to know what plays their opponents were running.
The NCAA conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations and has now determined its punishment for Harbaugh and the football program.
“Sources: Among Michigan’s punishments in the NCAA COI ruling, per me and (Dan Wetzel): *Michigan receives a significant fine, expected to be more than $20 million, from loss of postseason football revenue for the next two seasons,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on Friday.
“*Michigan coach Sherrone Moore is given an additional game suspension, which is expected take place in 2026. The school already proposed a self-imposed a two-game ban for this upcoming season, which is slated for Week 3 and 4.”
Thamel then followed up with Harbaugh’s punishment.
“Sources tell me and (Dan Wetzel) they’ll also be a 10-year show-cause penalty for Jim Harbaugh and an 8-year show-cause penalty for Connor Stalions.”
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“The lesson: If you engage in an extensive sign-stealing operation, you might come away with a national championship. But it will cost you … *checks notes* … $20M and a show cause for a coach who no longer works at your school,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“I think my biggest gripe is the no post season ban. It quite literally cost Ohio State a chance at a national championship in 2012,” someone else wrote.
“Actually pleased the NCAA stopped with the ‘vacating’ wins. Because, as we all know, that’s nonsense,” another fan added.
It’ll be interesting to see if Harbaugh responds to the punishment.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.