Chargers job came at perfect time as NCAA slaps Jim Harbaugh with harsh suspension

LA Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh returned to the NFL after reaching the mountaintop with the Michigan Wolverines. Harbaugh led the Wolverines to an undefeated National Championship-winning season to cement himself in college football coaching history.

The undefeated season did not come without controversy, though, as Michigan was embroiled in a sign-stealing scandal that followed the team for most of the season. Harbaugh served a three-game suspension that was given out by the Big Ten while critics continued to dissect Michigan.

A NOA draft excerpt obtained by ESPN earlier this week found new Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore and the program liable for wrongdoings as part of the sign-stealing scandal. Following that report, Harbaugh issued a complete non-apology after Chargers practice on Monday. According to Harbaugh, he had nothing to apologize for (but would apologize if he did).

Well, another hammer has dropped on the University of Michigan and Harbaugh specifically. The NCAA has penalized Michigan for recruiting violations during the COVID dead period. Before anything is settled around the sign-stealing scandal, the NCAA has officially handed Harbaugh a one-year suspension if he were to return to coach in college in the next four years.

Jim Harbaugh taking the Chargers job couldn't have come at a better time

With everything surrounding Harbaugh and the University of Michigan, it is safe to say the prominent head coach perfectly timed his return to the NFL. While Harbaugh himself is not admitting fault for the sign-stealing scandal, it is clear the NCAA thought there were enough wrongdoings in a separate case to dole out a suspension.

Harbaugh's suspension could stack with another suspension depending on what the investigation around Michigan's sign-stealing scandal finds. The NCAA certainly could dole out another suspension if it deems fit following the investigation.

Harbaugh signed a five-year contract with the Chargers so it is safe to say he probably won't be serving these suspensions. If anything, this is more of a message than anything to Harbaugh and other coaches throughout college football as it won't actually impact Harbaugh in the near future.

But, it does shine a spotlight on the timing of Harbaugh's exit. Harbaugh has not specifically mentioned anything about being suspended by the NCAA and has upsold the Chargers completely when explaining why he returned to the NFL.

But if Harbaugh knew penalties were coming, which we have no way of proving, then he may have been more open to making the jump in the first place. He reached the top of the mountain and got out completely before the avalanche could hit him on the way down.