Jim Harbaugh’s latest brush with NCAA discipline has ignited questions about whether the NFL could take action against the Los Angeles Chargers’ new head coach. On Friday, the NCAA’s infractions committee handed Harbaugh a 10-year show-cause order, set to begin in 2028 after his current four-year penalty from a separate case ends. The ruling stems from Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal, which also brought an eight-year show-cause for former analyst Connor Stalions, multi-million-dollar fines, recruiting restrictions, and a four-year probation for the Wolverines.
While the sanctions effectively bar Harbaugh from college coaching during the penalty window, the NCAA has no direct jurisdiction over the NFL. Historically, the league has not enforced NCAA punishments, but under Commissioner Roger Goodell’s broad “personal conduct” authority, it could theoretically review whether Harbaugh’s conduct violates league standards.
The Chargers hired Harbaugh in January 2025 after he led Michigan to a national title, fully aware of the looming investigation. For now, there is no indication the NFL plans disciplinary action, but the severity of the NCAA’s ruling has put the league — and Harbaugh’s new chapter — under fresh scrutiny. Fans and analysts alike are watching to see whether Goodell will simply ignore the college penalties or make a rare cross-league move.
BREAKING: The NCAA infractions committee is sanctioning former Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh with a show-cause of 10 years and former Michigan defensive analyst Connor Stalions with a show-cause of 8 years, per @RossDellenger. pic.twitter.com/OiYVfravSk
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 15, 2025
(This is a developing story and will be updated)
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