Chargers News: Legal Implications of Jim Harbaugh's Coaching Decision
The 2023-24 Michigan Wolverines' National Championship-winning season has one major asterisk: the sign-stealing scandal.
The Bolts' leading head coaching candidate, Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh, has been under investigation by the NCAA, where he can potentially be charged with a Level I violation of their bylaws. Critically, Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports writes that he'd be charged if any member of his staff is found to have committed a Level I violation.
Harbaugh was previously issued a 3-game suspension during the regular season as a result of the NCAA's investigation.
In response to this, Yahoo Sports reported last week that Harbaugh is seeking immunity from being fired if he is found guilty of NCAA violations, as he wants protection from being fired for cause.
Instead, they reported that Harbaugh's representatives were looking to renegotiate his contract, lobbying that a new contract "contain language mandating any question of NCAA violations go to a three-person arbitration panel."
To that end, Harbaugh's desire for immunity almost seems like a deciding factor in his potential decision to stay at Michigan. If he isn't granted immunity, then he's almost assuredly leaving the college football space, as Mike Chiari of Bleacher Report unpacks.
"Going back to the NFL would leave Harbaugh free and clear of any discipline," Chiari writes.
For the Bolts, it's time to hope for him not receiving immunity, as that all but guarantees his departure from Michigan. The situation is worth monitoring, though, as Chiari writes that Michigan has a six-year, $69 million dollar contract on the table, making him the highest-paid coach in collegiate football and enabling him to turn his alma mater into a dynasty.
