Jim Harbaugh is suspended primarily due to significant NCAA violations related to recruiting infractions during the COVID-19 dead period, as well as a separate scandal involving a sign-stealing scheme orchestrated by a former Michigan staffer. The NCAA found that Harbaugh engaged in unethical conduct, violated recruiting rules, and failed to foster a culture of compliance. As a result, Harbaugh received multiple penalties including a one-year suspension starting in 2024 and a four-year show-cause penalty. In 2025, this was followed by an additional 10-year show-cause penalty related to the sign- stealing scandal, effectively barring him from college coaching until 2038. Specifically, the recruiting violations involved impermissible in-person contacts with recruits and their families, which Harbaugh initially denied before evidence emerged. These breaches were classified as aggravated Level I violations by the NCAA. Meanwhile, the sign-stealing scandal involved a staff member illegally intercepting signals to give Michigan an unfair advantage, for which Harbaugh was held accountable for not promoting compliance. This cumulative punishment is historically severe, serving to keep Harbaugh out of college football for an extended period. However, he is currently coaching the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers, where the NFL has so far chosen not to impose any suspension related to these NCAA penalties.