why did jim harbaugh get suspended

Jim Harbaugh was suspended primarily due to NCAA recruiting violations and an illegal sign-stealing scandal during his time coaching at the University of Michigan. The NCAA imposed a one-year suspension and a four-year show-cause order on Harbaugh for impermissible contact with recruits and players during the COVID-19 recruiting dead period. This was deemed unethical conduct and a failure to promote an atmosphere of compliance. Additionally, the Big Ten suspended Harbaugh for the last three regular-season games of 2023 due to Michigan's illegal sign-stealing operation, which involved scouting opponents in person, violating longstanding NCAA rules. The NCAA also handed Harbaugh a 10-year show-cause order related to the sign-stealing scandal, which is separate from the recruiting violations. Harbaugh's penalties include being barred from working at any NCAA school in an athletic-related capacity during his suspension and show-cause period. He left Michigan to coach in the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers after the 2023 College Football Playoff championship and has not faced NFL suspension despite calls from some, including Urban Meyer, for the NFL to impose penalties as well. In summary, Jim Harbaugh's suspension is due to NCAA violations involving recruiting misconduct and operating an illegal sign-stealing scheme at Michigan, leading to multiple suspensions and show-cause penalties from the NCAA and Big Ten Conference over 2023-2025.