Jim Harbaugh is set to join the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers. He is leaving the national Michigan Wolverines after guiding them to a national championship. As per the reports, he is inking a five-year deal.
Chargers to hire Jim Harbaugh as new head coach. (via @RapSheet, @TomPelissero, @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/yx1d3P6x7v
— NFL (@NFL) January 24, 2024
University of Michigan president Santa Ono and athletic director Warde Manuel both said the Wolverines’ program had discussed a new contract that would have made Harbaugh the highest-paid coach in college football. However, Harbaugh decided to exit the side,
In the past, he played quarterback for the Chargers for two seasons (1999-2000). Serving as a collegiate coach, Harbaugh holds a 144-42 record and has won three Big Ten championships and Michigan’s first national title since 1997 this past season. He was 86-25 at Michigan and reformed college football’s winning program to relevance.
However, staying at Michigan could have led to a potential suspension and Harbaugh made a wise decision to part ways with the side.
Jim Harbaugh found himself in hot waters
It is noted that Jim Harbaugh has been a pivotal figure in two NCAA investigations into the program. The first is alleged recruiting violations during the COVID-19 dead period, and the second is for Michigan’s alleged sign-stealing operation headed by Connor Stalions.
In the past, Jim Harbaugh has faced suspensions for a total of six games for these sets of allegations. The first suspension for the alleged recruiting violations was self-imposed by Michigan and saw him missing the first three games of the 2023 season.
Meanwhile, the other one was handed down by the Big Ten and commissioner Tony Pettiti, and removed him from the Michigan sidelines for the final three games of the regular season.
The former investigation saw the NCAA serving Michigan with a notice of allegations, which featured several Level II violations and a Level I violation alleging Harbaugh misled investigators.
The latter investigation saw more serious allegations. Michigan was accused of being involved in a sign-stealing scandal, in which team members and related staff were allegedly sent to games to illegally film signs. Harbaugh has strongly denied any involvement in the operation. The Big Ten suspended Harbaugh for the final three games of the 2023 season after facing intense pressure from conference coaches.
