The fallout from a significant NCAA investigation into the Michigan Wolverines has prompted former college football coach Urban Meyer to suggest that the NFL should hold Jim Harbaugh accountable for his actions. Harbaugh recently departed Michigan after leading the team to an undefeated season and winning their first National Championship since 1997. However, his tenure ended under a cloud due to a sign-stealing scandal that has overshadowed his achievements.
The NCAA concluded its probe into the scandal, resulting in hefty penalties for the Wolverines, estimated to exceed $20 million. Current head coach Sherrone Moore received a one-game suspension, which he will serve at the beginning of the 2026 season, following a previously imposed two-game suspension for the current season. Harbaugh himself faces a formidable ten-year “show cause” order, effectively barring him from college football unless a program can justify hiring him.
Meyer, who previously coached at the University of Florida and Ohio State University, believes the NFL should take similar action against Harbaugh, who has recently taken the head coaching position with the Los Angeles Chargers. On his podcast, The Triple Option, Meyer cited the precedent set when former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel faced disciplinary measures, suggesting that the NFL’s commissioner, Roger Goodell, should intervene.
“There’s an elephant in the room here that no one’s talking about,” Meyer stated. He recalled how Tressel’s suspension was respected by the Indianapolis Colts when they hired him as a consultant, leading them to delay his start until the suspension concluded. Meyer highlighted the NFL’s past actions, including suspending former player Terrelle Pryor due to NCAA violations, indicating that there is a basis for potential action against Harbaugh.
Yet, the reaction from fans on social media has been largely critical of Meyer’s comments. Many expressed disbelief at his call for discipline, with one user quipping, “I kind of love how tone deaf this idiot is.” Another suggested that Meyer, known for his controversial history, is ill-suited to advocate for any form of punishment.
Meyer has faced scrutiny throughout his career, including a three-game suspension in 2018 for failing to act on reports of domestic violence involving a member of his staff. His tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars ended abruptly in 2021 after a series of scandals, leading to his firing before the season concluded. Given this background, many commenters have questioned his credibility on matters of discipline.
While the NFL has not yet indicated whether it plans to take action against Harbaugh, Meyer’s remarks have stirred up a conversation regarding the intersections of college and professional football governance. As the situation evolves, it remains clear that Harbaugh’s future could still be influenced by the ongoing fallout from the NCAA’s investigations.
In the world of sports, the implications of such controversies often extend beyond the field, impacting fans, teams, and the integrity of the game itself. As both Harbaugh and Meyer navigate their respective paths, the scrutiny from fans and officials alike will likely continue to shape the narrative surrounding their careers.
