Jim Harbaugh was suspended due to NCAA violations involving impermissible contact with recruits and players during the COVID-19 dead period, as well as unethical conduct and failing to promote an atmosphere of compliance. The NCAA imposed a one-season suspension on him if he returns to college football, along with a four-year show-cause order. Additionally, he was suspended by the Big Ten Conference for three regular-season games in 2023 for his involvement in a sign-stealing scandal that gave an unfair competitive advantage, which violated the league's sportsmanship policy. These infractions included unauthorized in-person scouting and scouting staff members attending opponents' games to decode play calls and signals, actions prohibited since 1994 by NCAA rules. Harbaugh's case involved both recruiting violations and the sign-stealing scandal, leading to multiple suspensions and penalties.
