Report: Michigan's Jim Harbaugh 'Unlikely' to Get 'Safe Harbor' from NFL if Suspended

If Jim Harbaugh exits Michigan amid the sign-stealing scandal that's overshadowed the Wolverines' brilliant 2023 season, it does not appear the NFL will allow him to come aboard without punishment.

Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported the NFL is "unlikely to make itself a safe harbor" for Harbaugh and may force him to serve a suspension if one is handed down by the NCAA.

The NFL has no rule requiring NCAA suspensions to be carried out, but there is precedent. In 2011, commissioner Roger Goodell suspended quarterback Terrelle Pryor for five games after he entered the league through the supplemental draft after being suspended by the NCAA for accepting impermissible benefits.

"This smacks of a calculated effort to manipulate our eligibility rules," Goodell said at the time of Pryor.

It's likely the NFLPA will watch closely if Harbaugh takes an NFL job to ensure the same standard is held.

Michigan is currently under investigation for allegedly stealing the signs of opposing teams. Assistant Connor Stalions is accused of hiring a network of people to attend games and tape sidelines so the Wolverines could pick up on opposing teams' signals. Stalions is currently suspended with pay.

Harbaugh has denied any involvement in the alleged scheme, but he could face significant punishment regardless. The NCAA may charge him with a lack of institutional control, and given the integrity of games is being called into question, it would be hard to see Harbaugh escaping a significant penalty.

Harbaugh has interviewed for NFL head-coaching vacancies the last two offseasons and may look to return to Sundays rather than serve his punishment. It's becoming abundantly clear, however, that the NFL may prevent that from happening.

Harbaugh previously went 44-19-1 in four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.