Jim Harbaugh may not be facing any punishment from the NFL for the sign-stealing scandal during his time in college football at Michigan, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be trolled.
On Friday, the NCAA released its in-depth report about Michigan football’s alleged advanced scouting scheme while Harbaugh was the coach and though Michigan avoided a postseason ban or having its wins vacated, Harbaugh was not let off the hook.
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The former Wolverines quarterback and coach was hit with a 10-year show-cause order that does not begin until 2028, when his other show-cause order ends for violations related to recruiting during a COVID-19 dead period.
Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh reacts during the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, Aug. 16, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
All in all, that means Harbaugh would have to likely serve a one-year suspension if he ever tried to come back to college football before 2038, when he would be 74 years old.
In addition, Michigan got its own punishments that include four years of probations and fines that could eventually add up to be in the $30 million range.
HEAR FROM HARBAUGH: Here’s what Jim Harbaugh said to media after U-M’s NCAA punishment for sign-stealing
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All that led to Saturday night when Harbaugh’s Chargers faced the Los Angeles Rams for a preseason showdown at their shared building, SoFi Stadium.
After a dramatic back-and-forth game that came down to the final seconds with former Georgia star Stetson Bennett IV leading a game-winning drive, the Rams’ social media team decided it was the perfect time to troll their cross-town rival.
“Sign-ing off,” the Rams posted on social media with a photo of their mascot holding a sign that said “Hail to the Victors!”
Commenters on social media quickly got the reference, calling it a “tier 1 troll job” by the Rams.
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After the game, Harbaugh was asked about his thoughts on the NCAA’s ruling and refused to engage.
“Like I said to you last year, not engaging, ” Harbaugh told reporters Saturday, Aug. 16. “I’m done engaging.”
While Harbaugh has exited the college vortex, it seems for at least now the Michigan noise will follow him around.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jim Harbaugh trolled by Rams for Michigan sign-stealing saga