Report: NFL Interest In Jim Harbaugh Not Impacted By Sign-Stealing Scandal

Getty Image / Alika Jenner

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has been embroiled in a sign-stealing scandal that stems from the actions of a former program staffer Connor Stalions, for a month now. And, despite being suspended for three games by the Big Ten Conference, that isn’t expected to impact potential NFL interest in hiring the coach.

That’s according to Jay Glazer, who spoke about the situation prior to the Thanksgiving Day game between the Lions and Packers. Take a look.

Harbaugh, who led the 49ers to the brink of winning Super Bowl XLVII, and two to other NFC Championship games, left the 49ers for Michigan prior to the 2015 season. Since, he’s been linked with numerous NFL head coaching jobs. In recent years, those rumors were strongest with the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos following the 2021 NFL Seasons.

After being on the brink of getting fired following a disastrous 2-4 season in 2020, Harbaugh has had the Wolverines rolling. They’ve beat Ohio State the past two seasons, won the Big Ten title in both, and are 36-3 since the start of 2021.

But, controversy seemingly can’t escape him. He served a three-game university-imposed suspension to start the season related to alleged recruiting violations. And, the sign-stealing scandal has engulfed the program, though no direct connection to Harbaugh has been found.

So, what NFL teams could be interested in Harbaugh this offseason? The Chicago Bears certainly come to mind as a team where Harbaugh, who can come in and totally revamp a culture, would be a good fit. But, it’s unknown if team president Kevin Warren, who was formerly the commissioner of the Big Ten, would want to make that hire, given the war between Harbaugh and his former employer.

The Los Angeles Chargers are another intriguing Harbaugh spot. Three of Harbaugh’s head-coaching stints have been in California, and his first stint as a head coach was at the University of San Diego. That’s a franchise that absolutely needs a culture reset. But, similarly to when he took over the 49ers, it’s a team with pieces to win now.

That’s not what Harbaugh’s focus is on right now, however. #3 Michigan takes on #2 Ohio State this weekend in what may be the biggest game in the history of the rivalry, and that’s saying something. While he is suspended, Harbaugh is allowed to coach during the week.