Jim Harbaugh suspended: College football world reacts to Big Ten's punishment of Michigan
Jim Harbaugh has been suspended by the Big Ten for the final three regular-season games of Michigan’s 2023 season. Harbaugh will be eligible to coach in the postseason, and he will still be allowed to coach the team during the week leading up to Saturdays.
The conference stated Michigan had been found in violation of the conference’s Sportsmanship Policy for conducting an” impermissible, in-person scouting operation over multiple years” that “resulted in an unfair competitive advantage that compromised the integrity of competition.”
In a letter from the league to Michigan, the Big Ten stated it did not have evidence to prove whether or not Harbaugh knew of the operation, but it did have enough evidence to prove the operation’s existence and that fact warranted immediate.
The suspension obviously struck a chord on social media, but it was a divisive one. Some felt the suspension was a step to far given the ongoing NCAA investigation. Some felt it was a toothless punishment from the league crafted only to maintain the middle ground.
Here’s some of the reaction:
A short-term resolution at Michigan. Jim Harbaugh won’t coach on the sideline for Penn State, Maryland, and Ohio State games. https://t.co/JbVrePRSKn
— Matt Reynoldson (@Matt_Reynoldson) November 10, 2023
Lane Kiffin was the first coach to be fired on a tarmac, Jim Harbaugh will be the first coach to be suspended by a conference on a tarmac.
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) November 10, 2023
When Jim Harbaugh finds out he doesn’t have to work weekends anymore pic.twitter.com/7Y5c4uSyyt
— Tom Green (@Tomas_Verde) November 10, 2023
Not sure how to feel about a coach being suspended from the sidelines but not from everything else during the week of preparation.
Seems like the Big Ten is trying to find middle ground and appease everyone but will just anger everyone.
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) November 10, 2023
The fact Tony Petitti did this while Michigan is literally in the air is such a cowardice move. https://t.co/oMabO36MOO
— Tanner (@tannerwutang) November 10, 2023
Would be surprised if Michigan doesn’t strongly consider leaving the Big Ten if Tony Petitti remains commissioner.
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) November 10, 2023
Maybe the dumbest "solution" I have ever seen to any sports problem lmao. Precision-tailored to make absolutely no one happy https://t.co/m8rc1cxPwh
— Patrick Daugherty (@RotoPat) November 10, 2023
Now I’m imagining Harbaugh unable to get the message because the airplane’s WiFi is acting up, even though he already paid the $8 for it https://t.co/KeAxbylGoF
— Matt Baker (@MBakerTBTimes) November 10, 2023
Big Ten worried about Michigan's “competitive advantage” w/sign-stealing allegations, yet the league suspending a head coach less than 24 hours before kickoff isn’t a big “competitive advantage” for Penn State? Major lack of leadership by B1G
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) November 10, 2023
This is a punishment that makes everyone happy. Jim Harbaugh gets to game plan all week. Coordinators do their thing during the games. Michigan has a chip on their shoulder. Honestly feels like a win-win. Let’s move on. https://t.co/abEsF6wxi6
— Jordan Strack (@JordanStrack) November 10, 2023
So Michigan’s 2023 regular season will be bookended by three-game suspensions for Harbaugh, if this goes through (in other words, half of the regular season). https://t.co/7PnxoqtsDD
— Dean Straka (@DWStraka49) November 10, 2023
Can he coach from the booth? https://t.co/gieSBnckqe pic.twitter.com/HuqxKmrqD9
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) November 10, 2023
Just perfect, maximal embarrassment/talk show fodder with minimal actual effect on football https://t.co/yyClvgPs39
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) November 10, 2023
I’m ashamed of the Big Ten. Have to let the season play out. Sad https://t.co/AnsmcE3Ab5
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) November 10, 2023
this says sideline so i’m expecting some hilarious shots of the coaches booth https://t.co/aVllUWTjUN
— Brian Floyd (@BrianMFloyd) November 10, 2023
You really have to hand it to the Big Ten, they really stick to the brand. This is the administrative equivalent of a punt. If you’re going to suspend him from being on the sideline, but allow him to be with the team all week, what’s the point? Why bother? https://t.co/ZL9Sr2vusa
— Matt Burnell (@mdburnell) November 10, 2023
this is so weird lol. like a suspension but not really a suspension. but also can't be on the sidelines so idk lol https://t.co/ffSNFfzlaX
— Offseason Chopz (@Pchopz_) November 10, 2023
Oh lord, one of those can do everything but coach the actual game punishments. Toothless. https://t.co/pIedwuZjZx
— Kevin Noon (@Kevin_Noon) November 10, 2023
I've said since the first suspension earlier this year that I think that Jim Harbaugh will walk away from Michigan after this season. That hasn't changed.
— Barrett Sallee 🇺🇸 (@BarrettSallee) November 10, 2023