Craig Carmoney’s BLOG

By Craig Carmoney

The NFL has plenty of issues on its plate right now—player safety, officiating controversies, and the never-ending debate over what exactly constitutes a catch. But here’s one thing the league should absolutely avoid: suspending Jim Harbaugh over “Sign-Gate.”

Let’s call this what it is. The NCAA has been on a crusade against Harbaugh for years, not because he’s a menace to the sport, but because he’s one of the few high-profile coaches who has dared to challenge its outdated system. Harbaugh has been vocal about supporting athletes’ rights to get paid, long before NIL ever became a reality. The NCAA didn’t forget that, and it’s been itching for payback.

Where’s the Evidence?

The crux of the so-called scandal is that Michigan staffers were accused of in-person scouting and decoding opponents’ signals—an NCAA rules violation. The key detail, however, is that there has never been any evidence tying Jim Harbaugh himself to the scheme. None. Zero.

What Harbaugh was punished for in the NCAA’s eyes was his refusal to play ball with investigators. He didn’t sit down, didn’t kiss the ring, and didn’t help them with their case. And for that, he was labeled uncooperative. That isn’t cheating. That’s a man choosing not to bow to a governing body with a grudge.

NFL Involvement Would Be Absurd

If the NFL even considers carrying water for the NCAA by suspending Harbaugh, it sets a dangerous precedent. Since when does the league hand out punishments for a college investigation that found no proof of personal wrongdoing? Are we now suspending coaches for the behavior of every staffer under their umbrella, regardless of whether they had knowledge or involvement?

If that’s the new standard, then the NFL should be prepared to retroactively suspend half its coaching ranks. Because let’s be honest—anyone who has worked in football for more than five minutes knows that staffers push the envelope. That doesn’t make the head coach guilty by association.

A Convenient Villain

The NCAA has painted Harbaugh as a villain because it’s easier than admitting its own irrelevance. He’s brash, outspoken, and unafraid to shine a light on the hypocrisy of a system that rakes in billions while the athletes do the work. The NFL should recognize what’s really happening here: an embattled organization is trying to use its shadow to tarnish a coach who dared to stand up to them.

The Bottom Line

If the NFL suspends Jim Harbaugh over “Sign-Gate,” it wouldn’t be justice. It would be a gift to the NCAA—a petty, vengeful organization looking for validation. Harbaugh’s record should be judged on what he does in the NFL, not on the NCAA’s vendetta.

Anything less would be a joke.