why is jim harbaugh not coaching

Jim Harbaugh is currently not coaching in college football due to significant NCAA sanctions against him stemming from recruiting violations at the University of Michigan during the COVID-19 dead period. He was suspended for one year and given a four-year "show-cause" penalty by the NCAA starting in August 2024, which effectively bars him from coaching college football until 2028. The NCAA found that he engaged in unethical conduct, failed to foster a culture of compliance, and exhibited deliberate disregard for NCAA regulations. After coaching at Michigan and winning a national championship in 2023, he left for the NFL to coach the Los Angeles Chargers. The NCAA's penalties also included a 10-year show-cause order starting in 2028, which would extend restrictions until 2038 if he attempts to return to college coaching. Harbaugh has denied involvement in some of the infractions, and while the NCAA's sanctions impact his college coaching eligibility, he remains active as an NFL coach. The NFL has so far declined to comment or take disciplinary action related to the NCAA rulings. Harbaugh's absence from college sideline coaching is thus due to these NCAA rulings rather than a voluntary coaching break or other reasons.