Jim Harbaugh is no longer “The Man” at Michigan! The former head coach led the team to a perfect 15-0 record but with an asterisk due to the recent sign-stealing controversy surrounding the Michigan Wolverines.

With their past achievements now in question, Harbaugh chose not to attend Michigan’s Week 1 game at their home field. Initially, the Michigan facility had announced that Harbaugh would serve as the “honorary captain” for the August 31st game, but he decided to send his family as a proxy.

On Saturday, Maize n Brew reporter Trevor Woods shared a photo on his X handle with Jim’s father, Jack Harbaugh, writing, “Great catching up with THE MAN Jack Harbaugh on the day of being Michigan’s honorary captain.” It seems Jack was there to show his support for the Wolverines in his son’s absence.

Well, Jack Harbaugh is certainly worthy of the honor. Not only is he Jim’s father, but he’s also a former coach who’s worked with teams like Michigan and Western Kentucky. Now, at 85, Jack proudly stepped in to represent his son and show his love for the Ann Arbor crowd.

Meanwhile, Jim Harbaugh is all focused on his new role as LA Chargers’ head coach. With a crucial matchup against the LV Raiders coming up next Sunday, he likely wanted to avoid any distractions. Even Michigan’s current coach, Sherrone Moore, explained, “He told me he didn’t feel he could leave his team.” Moore added, “But we will have some of our [former] guys…and then Jack and Jackie Harbaugh are going to take his place.” 

As expected, Jack attended with his wife Jackie, while Jim stayed focused on the NFL. Was the NFL the only reason for Jim’s absence?

NCAA takes aim at Jim Harbaugh

Sherrone Moore’s Wolverines have been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons lately. Last week, the NCAA issued them a Notice of Allegation (NOA) accusing them of multiple violations, from recruiting during the COVID-19 dead period to stealing hand signals from other college football teams. And the three most impacted names in this drama are Sherrone Moore, Jim Harbaugh, and Conor Stalions.

Conor Stalions considered the mastermind behind the sign-stealing scandal, is under NCAA investigation and has already resigned from Michigan’s staff. Now, Moore faces the heat as the new head coach, while Harbaugh is also in hot water. Now, last season, Harbaugh received a three-game suspension for various violations, and he has firmly maintained his innocence, ever since. “I do not apologize,” he says, adding, “I did not participate. I was not aware nor complicit in those said allegations.” 

However, the NCAA isn’t convinced. Harbaugh was given a four-year show-cause notice and a one-year suspension from the NCAA. But it seems Harbaugh has no intention of returning to college football, as he’s now found his place in the NFL. Looks like there’s a messy breakup brewing in Ann Arbor.