Jim Harbaugh reached the top of the mountain on Monday, leading Michigan to a win over Washington in the national championship game. If he chooses to stay in Ann Arbor for the 2024 season, he’ll probably be knocked off that mountain by the NCAA.
Harbaugh is expected to be disciplined for Michigan’s sign-stealing scheme. He was suspended for three games this past season because of it.
Matthew Mitten, the executive director of the National Sports Law Institute at Marquette University, would not be shocked if Harbaugh gets hit with “at least a one-year show-cause.”
As for Michigan’s football team, it’s possible they receive a postseason ban.
“Seventy-five percent of them are full-time employees of member schools,” Mitten said. “What will be interesting is looking at the public members of the [committee]. Often, you’ll get former coaches, and it will be interesting to see what some of them think about this. I think they’re going to be pretty unhappy about it, and they’re the ones I think the other committee members will listen to once there is a hearing.”
I don’t foresee a bowl ban in this era, but even the mention of it underscores that we have no idea what is next for Harbaugh and Michigan. https://t.co/odJn2DIu4y pic.twitter.com/oou1JswDK7
— Dave Briggs (@DBriggsBlade) January 10, 2024
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If that’s the case, Harbaugh may want to consider leaving for the NFL this offseason.
Over the past few days, Harbaugh has been linked to the Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders.