INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, was tight-lipped following the NCAA’s shocking decision to fine the University of Michigan tens of millions of dollars. The NCAA also announced a suspension for Michigan’s head coach, Sherrone Moore, for three games due to a sign-stealing scandal that occurred when Harbaugh was at the helm of the Wolverines. After the Chargers’ close preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday night, Harbaugh avoided discussing his alma mater during his first media appearance since the NCAA’s announcements. “Like I said to you last year, not engaging,” he said, emphasizing his unwillingness to comment on the ongoing situation.
The NCAA did not hold back in its criticism of Harbaugh’s management, stating there was overwhelming evidence pointing to a cover-up involving the Michigan program, which has a rich history as one of college football’s most successful teams. Harbaugh has maintained that he was unaware of the actions taken by Connor Stalions, who allegedly ran the sign-stealing and scouting operation.
In a surprising turn of events, Michigan managed to dodge a multi-year postseason ban. The NCAA felt that punishing current student-athletes for past actions taken during Harbaugh’s tenure would be unfair. Following Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL, the NCAA issued him a four-year show-cause order tied to recruiting violations, which now extends into a 10-year ban linked to the current situation, effectively framing it as a 14-year absence from college football.
In response to the sanctions, Michigan has stated it will appeal, arguing that the NCAA misinterpreted its own bylaws and reached conclusions that contradict available evidence. As for Sherrone Moore, who was previously Harbaugh’s assistant for six years, he faces a suspension for two games this September and will miss the Wolverines’ 2026 season opener in Germany.
