Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh addressed allegations related to an impermissible-scouting operation that led to an NCAA investigation of Michigan’s program during its championship season last year. He asserted his innocence and stated that he was unaware and not involved in the alleged misconduct. Harbaugh emphasized his commitment to honesty and integrity, mentioning his upbringing and principles he instills in his family and teams.
Harbaugh departed Michigan on Jan. 24 to join the Los Angeles team, shortly after securing the school’s first national title in over two decades. The coach may potentially face Level 1 NCAA violations, the most severe sanction, in connection to the impermissible scouting and sign-stealing probe. Michigan is anticipated to soon receive a notice of allegations from the NCAA.
Allegations in the draft notice reportedly implicate Harbaugh and other staff members, such as Sherrone Moore, in violating rules. Connor Stalions, a former recruiting staffer, is accused of orchestrating an off-campus advanced-scouting operation for more than two years, breaching NCAA regulations. The operation involved recording play signals of competing teams for the purpose of sign-stealing during games.
Harbaugh had been previously suspended twice last season, initially at the beginning of the season for different NCAA violations concerning recruiting. Michigan settled its part of the case earlier and was placed on probation for three years. The coach also faced a Big Ten suspension for the final three games of the 2023 regular season due to violating the conference’s sportsmanship policy concerning the sign-stealing scandal.
The resolution of the sign-stealing case is expected to take several months, with schools having 90 days to respond to a notice of allegations according to NCAA policies. Subsequently, a hearing before the NCAA’s infractions committee would be scheduled, though a negotiated settlement is still a possibility.
