Jim Harbaugh asked about Michigan sign-stealing punishment

Jim Harbaugh’s scandal-laden Michigan championship may be remembered with an asterisk, but the Chargers coach isn’t going to let his feeling be known on the latest sanctions for his old program.

Michigan was fined tens of millions of dollars and current coach Sherrone Moore was suspended a third game as part of the sign-stealing scandal on Friday that made headlines throughout the 2023-24 season. That was the year Harbaugh led Michigan to a national title.

“Like I said to you last year, not engaging,” Harbaugh said following the Chargers preseason game against the Rams on Saturday. “Not engaging.”

In the latest ruling, the NCAA said it had “overwhelming” evidence of a cover-up by the Michigan staff.

Harbaugh has previously claimed not to have known about the operation run by Connor Stalions.

Michigan did not receive a postseason ban because the NCAA now believes it is unfair to student-athletes to penalize them for violations committed by past members of the program, a departure from previous rulings.

Two weeks after leading Michigan to the title, Harbaugh returned to the NFL to coach the Chargers. Last August, he was given a four-year show-cause order for recruiting violations. He now has an additional 10-year show-case for the sign-stealing scandal.

Michigan plans to appeal the latest decision.

The current coach, Moore, was Harbaugh’s assistant before landing the full-time job. He will miss two games this September and a third next year.

Michigan struggled early on in Moore’s first season last fall, but finished strong, and went 8-5. That included a win over arch rival Ohio State, the eventual national champion, and a bowl victory over Alabama.