Paul Finebaum explains why Jim Harbaugh leaving is actually 'a positive' for Michigan

While those in Los Angeles are praising the Chargers hiring of Jim Harbaugh as Brandon Staley’s head-coaching successor, many in college football circles are torn on exactly what to feel.

On one hand, Harbaugh’s leaving weeks after bringing Michigan its first national championship since 1997 felt like a necessary separation long overdue, but conversely, others believe he left the school high and dry amid an NCAA investigation for a series of serious violations.

But as ESPN’s Paul Finebaum puts it, Harbaugh leaving Michigan is actually a blessing in disguise.

“I think [him leaving is] a positive, frankly,” Finebaum said during a recent appearance on “First Take.” “I hate to interrupt the coronation of a new pope, but let’s remember a couple of things about Jim Harbaugh. The first six years [at Michigan] weren’t exactly virtuoso. He nearly got fired, and he was this close to getting fired. The last three years were brilliant. Everyone agrees with that, and that’s why we’re celebrating him today, and we should celebrate him.”

To Finebaum’s point, Harbaugh had a 49-22 record during his first six seasons at Michigan, which included a 1-4 bowl record and an 0-5 record against archrival Ohio State. But in his final three years, Harbaugh went undefeated against the Buckeyes and he had a 37-3 record with a national championship win.

It’s because of that national title that Harbaugh likely left the college ranks. He no longer had to validate his place as one of the top coaches in college football, and he didn’t have to stick around and wait to be handed some likely hefty penalties from the NCAA for his involvement in UM’s sign-stealing scandal.

But because he’s no longer associated with the program, Finebaum expects the NCAA to go a little easier on the Wolverines and likely new head coach Sherrone Moore.

“[Harbaugh’s] leaving behind a mess,” Finebaum added. “I realize he won the national championship and that’s so easy to celebrate. But there are two separate NCAA investigations ongoing and will be adjudicated. And I think in some ways that’s a positive for Michigan, that without him around they will probably skate much easier in the new modern world of the NCAA.”