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The way NFL teams view Jim Harbaugh has changed since the NCAA sign-stealing scandal. Initially, management was cautious when asked about the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, but that has changed in recent weeks.
"At first, teams would say we really want to start hearing more about this investigation, but as the last couple of weeks have gone, that has just completely changed," said Fox Sports reporter Jay Glazer in a post on X.
The controversy began in mid-October when the NCAA revealed that there was evidence that the Michigan coaching staff had been spying on its rivals for years, to steal their signs before games.
According to the report, Wolverines analyst Connor Stalions went to his upcoming rivals' games to obtain the information. Stalions and linebackers coach Chris Partridge were removed from their positions after an investigation.
The consequences for Harbaugh
Although Harbaugh denied any knowledge of the activities of his subordinates, the NCAA board decided to impose a three-game suspension. The coach tried to appeal the punishment, but, in the end, decided to accept it at the end of the season.
Since then, in a span of a couple of weeks, NFL teams' perception of the veteran coach went from cautious to welcoming. "I actually think for the NFL, they've kind of moved on from this," Glazer said.
According to Glazer, the teams he has spoken to say: "Regardless of what we hear in that investigation, that's not going to affect the way we look at Jim Harbaugh if he wants to come back and coach in the NFL."
What are the chances for Harbaugh?
Although Harbaugh has not said anything about returning to the NFL, it is known that he interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos last offseason, seeking the head coaching position.
The last third of the regular season is still missing, but there are already several teams that would be looking for his next head coach, among them the Las Vegas Raiders, who would already be looking for a replacement for Antonio Pierce.
The New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants could also open head coaching interviews as soon as their season ends.
Harbaugh led the San Francisco 49ers to a 44-19-1 record and led the team to Super Bowl XLVII, which they lost 31-34 to the Baltimore Ravens. In the NCAA, the coach has an 85-25 record in nine years, all with the Wolverines.
With such a resume, it's understandable that NFL teams are more than willing to let go of a scandal that doesn't appear to have touched the veteran coach.