NFL teams appeared to be dealing with the aftermath of the Michigan sign-stealing scandal that rocked the college football world.
With Jim Harbaugh’s name once again being brought up in coaching conversations, Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported Thursday that interest in the Wolverines’ head coach has not wavered despite the recent controversy.
“First, when something like this happened to Jim Harbaugh, I said, ‘Will this affect him if he decides to go to the NFL?’ Every team, at first, the team would say we really did. “I would love to start hearing more about this investigation, but things have completely changed over the past few weeks,” Glaser said.
“Every team I’ve talked to, regardless of what we hear in the investigation, has said that even if Jim Harbaugh wants to come back to the NFL and coach, that’s not going to affect our view of him. I said, “I actually think the NFL has moved on from this a little bit.”
Michigan’s football program was under investigation for an alleged sign-stealing scheme that former staffer Connor Stallions was accused of spearheading.
Stallion allegedly attended a game of an upcoming University of Michigan opponent and recorded hand signals.
The Stallions left the program and linebackers coach Chris Partridge was fired last week for allegedly trying to destroy evidence.
Earlier this month, the Big Ten announced that Harbaugh, 59, would be suspended for the remainder of the 2023 regular season.
However, Harbaugh is allowed to lead practices and run team activities.
Before joining his alma mater in 2015, Harbaugh coached the 49ers from 2011 to 2014, leading San Francisco to a Super Bowl appearance in February 2013.
He interviewed for head coaching positions with the Vikings and Broncos in the past two offseasons.
Michigan State (11-0) is preparing for Saturday’s rivalry showdown with Ohio State (11-0).
