Michigan's self-imposed suspension of Jim Harbaugh could speak volumes about his future

When it was initially announced his four-game suspension would be on hold until 2024, that seemingly gave Harbaugh a perfect excuse to return to the NFL after the 2023 season. That isn't a factor anymore and could be a sign that Harbaugh will remain at Michigan for the long term.

He closed the door on a return to the NFL in 2023 in early January by releasing a statement in which he wrote, "I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023." 

That followed the 2022 offseason when Harbaugh and the Minnesota Vikings had discussions about him becoming their head coach.

The speculation about a return to the pros would have run rampant with a looming 2024 suspension. Instead, the Wolverines are getting out in front of not only an NCAA punishment, but also the NFL vultures as they gear up for a third consecutive Big Ten title and College Football Playoff appearance.

Hopefully, it will also put an end to the Harbaugh-NCAA saga that's gone through multiple twists and turns.

In July, the NCAA ruled Harbaugh would receive a four-game suspension for infractions stemming from Harbaugh's refusal to cooperate with an NCAA investigation into the program breaking recruiting rules in place during the pandemic.

Later, the committee on infractions overruled the suspension, paving the way for Harbaugh to coach the entire season.

Harbaugh will miss out-of-conference games against East Carolina, UNLV and Bowling Green. Each should be an easy win for Michigan, even without its head coach. He'll return for the Wolverines' Big Ten opener against Rutgers on Sept. 23.