Meyer calls for NFL discipline for Harbaugh

Meyer argues that NFL action should follow NCAA sanctions against Harbaugh amid Michigan sign stealing findings.

Meyer calls for NFL discipline for Harbaugh over Michigan sign stealing

The NCAA found that Connor Stalions led a sign stealing operation that violated college rules. Michigan was fined tens of millions of dollars and Jim Harbaugh received a 10 year show cause order, effectively barring him from college coaching until 2038. Connor Stalions received an eight year show cause order, and current Michigan coach Sherrone Moore was suspended for the opening game of the 2026 season. The NCAA did not impose a postseason ban. Harbaugh left Michigan after the 2023 season to coach in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Harbaugh has said he did not know about Stalions operation. The NCAA COI described the program as largely dismissive of rules compliance and noted there was little emphasis on following the rules. The findings raise questions about leadership responsibility and how far penalties should reach when a program wins at the highest level.

The penalties show the NCAA is willing to impose sharp costs even when a team dominates the field. Yet the absence of a postseason ban suggests the college game still weighs championships alongside compliance. The case puts a spotlight on how accountability travels across leagues and what happens when a coach moves from college to pro football.

Meyer is pushing for NFL discipline, highlighting a broader call for cross league accountability. The real test is whether pro leagues will act on past missteps and how fans will react when penalties chase individuals rather than the programs that cultivate them.

Highlights

Accountability in sports evolves with each penalty and each public reaction.