As a sign-stealing scandal continues to engulf Michigan's football program, all eyes are on a potential suspension for coach Jim Harbaugh.
Harbaugh already served a suspension at the start of the season amid a separate NCAA investigation, but another ban could be a major blow to the Wolverines' championship hopes in what has been an exceptional year on the field.
Even before investigations took center stage at Michigan, Harbaugh didn't exactly shy away from the idea of bolting from Ann Arbor and rejoining the NFL. Harbaugh was heavily engaged with the Vikings' head coaching search in 2022, and he completed two interviews for the Broncos' job earlier this year despite insisting he would stay at Michigan.
A largely successful coach during his four seasons at the helm of the 49ers, Harbaugh has won enough at Michigan to keep himself firmly on NFL teams' radar. If there was any time to make a return, that time might be after this season. But, is a jump to the NFL even possible?
MORE: Latest updates on Michigan sign-stealing scandal
Here's a closer look at why Harbaugh likely won't find "safe harbor" at the NFL level if he's suspended while coaching Michigan.
Jim Harbaugh NFL 'safe harbor,' explained
Harbaugh might not be safe from an NCAA suspension if he made the jump to the NFL, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
According to the report, the league is "unlikely to make itself a safe harbor for Harbaugh" if the Michigan coach is handed a suspension as part of the investigation into illegal sign-stealing methods.
There is a "strong possibility Harbaugh would need to serve some or all of any possible suspension" even if he joined an NFL team, Rapoport and Pelissero say.
The Washington Post echoed the possibility that the NFL could honor a Harbaugh suspension but cautioned that such a decision was "not be a certainty," citing sources familiar with the league.
MORE: John U. Bacon answers Michigan sign-stealing questions
While the NFL would reportedly honor an NCAA suspension, there are no formal rules requiring the league to do that. There is, however, precedent for the NFL upholding NCAA suspensions.
Former Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor had to serve a five-game suspension with the Raiders after he was selected in 2011's supplemental draft. His coach with the Buckeyes, Jim Tressel, also had to serve his NCAA suspension after taking a consultant job with the Colts in 2011.
It could be an active hiring cycle for head coaches around the NFL this winter, with one vacancy already in place in Las Vegas and several other coaches on the hot seat. Harbaugh has shown clear interest in the NFL over the last two offseasons, so the idea that he could consider a return to the league is far from simple speculation.
Jim Harbaugh contract
Harbaugh signed a new five-year, $36.7 million contract with Michigan in 2022. While the deal runs through 2026, Harbaugh's continued success with the Wolverines was reportedly set to earn him another raise as soon as this year -- until the sign-stealing allegations surfaced.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Michigan rescinded a contract offer to Harbaugh after the investigation began.
Still, Harbaugh is paid handsomely by his current deal. His contract included a $1 million incentive for winning a Big Ten championship, which he already did last season and has a strong chance to do again this year if he's allowed to continue coaching.
A jump to the NFL could make Harbaugh even more money. NBC Sports reported in February that Sean Payton's deal with the Broncos is worth close to $18 million per year, so Harbaugh's salary with an NFL franchise would likely exceed anything he might make at Michigan.
Harbaugh had a fractured relationship with then-49ers GM Trent Baalke before his time in San Francisco ended, so between his relationships and now the sign-stealing scandal, it's unclear how many NFL teams would go all-out and spend the type of money likely needed to lure the 59-year-old to the NFL knowing a suspension still might need to be served.
