Perspective: Beyond the Michigan Scandal, Will Jim Harbaugh’s Coaching Journey Find Renewed Success in the NFL Arena?

Michigan State Football has gone through some tumultuous times in the recent past. They’re found wanting of the sign-stealing accusations and were reprimanded for the same. Amongst the punishments adjudged to staffers, Jim Harbaugh was handed a suspension.

It came in as a shocking revelation, to fans and me alike, when Harbaugh aboard a flight to Penn State was suspended with immediate effect. While fans and former players took to social media to troll the proceedings, Jim Harbaugh was outrightly suspended by the Big 10. Does it now mean that Harbaugh would go on to coach NFL sides in the future? It could be a definitive proposition, given how he was unceremoniously sacked!

Why did the Big 10 come down harshly on Jim Harbaugh?

Jim Harbaugh as the Michigan State had a terrific run. He guided the side to several wins and his team is a certainty about the playoffs. While on the field, Harbaugh has left no stone unturned to make his side a dominant one. The off-field is a different story.

Jim allegedly denied any involvement in the sign-stealing practices and opposed the moves. However, after the NCAA carried on with their investigation and involving the Big 10 conference, the reality came out. As revealed by the Big 10 commissioner Tony Petitti, there was the extensive involvement of Harbaugh in the scheme of things.

Petitti at once sent forth a 13-page letter to the Michigan athletics director Warde Manuel on Friday, confirming Harbaugh’s planning.

The official statement for Jim Harbaugh and the evidence recovered

Tony Petitti, in his letter, made an official statement directed at Michigan’s HC. He wrote that the side and its management “violated the Sportsmanship Policy because a University football staff member engaged in an organized, extensive, years-long in-person advance scouting scheme that was impermissible.”

The statement further read on the team came about plotting in-person scouts. “The goal of the scheme was to gain an unfair advantage by stealing the signs of teams that the University’s football team was due to play later in the season, and such misconduct inherently compromises the integrity of the competition.”

This statement was made after the Big 10 revealed the pieces of equipment that they unearthed while going on with their investigation. They found- a large and detailed chart about various players attending future games, the assignments for individuals, and written notes about whether attendance would be necessary. All this evidence forced the Big 10 to suspend Jim Harbaugh.

Jim Harbaugh faces a three-match suspension and his future

While Harbaugh’s side gave one electrifying performance after another, they’re now without their HC. Harbaugh while on the plane to Penn State was handed a three-match suspension by the Big 10. The suspension came in after Harbaugh’s involvement in the sign-stealing fiasco was confirmed.

Prior to the game against Penn State, Michigan’s HC appealed for a restraining order to coach his side. Not to be, the Washtenaw County denied giving any ruling before Saturday’s game. Now as Harbaugh serves his suspension with two matches still remaining for his side, will he head back to coaching the NFL?

Is Jim Harbaugh set to return to the NFL?

The Michigan’s HC has been a long-serving coach for the side. Starting his journey with the NCAA side back in 2015, he proved to be a great asset to the side. Now, as his team goes on to compete in the final two games, they’d be without their head coach.

ALSO READ: Pat McAfee Delivers “Polarizing” Verdict on Jim Harbaugh’s Suspension after Michigan Alum Tom Brady’s Involvement Escalates Scandal

Jim Harbaugh might also move on to seek the NFL coaching role that he waved goodbye to back in 2015. The Big 10’s suspension could open the long-closed doors for Harbaugh. Jim was involved with coaching the NFL sides between 2002-2014, before taking on the reigns of Michigan. There are few teams in reckoning who’d like to rope in the former QB.

Earlier in 2023, the Denver Broncos were looking to take Jim on board for their HC duties. The role with the Broncos seems like a surety as per the Athletic. Harbaugh will most likely accept the job if it’s offered to him. Apart from the Broncos, Jim was also in talks with the Carolina Panthers.

If the rumors are to be believed, he might go on to share his trade for the NFL sides. This would be a different sort of homecoming after getting duped on sign-stealing allegations. Hopefully, for the football fans, their lovable coach comes back in the NFL capacity and continues what he loved doing!

WATCH THIS STORY: Coach Jim Harbaugh sets the record straight on Michigan’s sign-stealing incident.