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Urban Meyer Calls for NFL to Make Drastic Jim Harbaugh Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Aug 21, 2025 9:46 AM ET

Although their days participating in the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry are behind them, former Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer is still willing to take on the Los Angeles Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh.

The NCAA recently issued 10-year show cause to Harbaugh, who was still the Wolverines’ head coach during the Connor Stallions sign-stealing scandal. Harbaugh previously received a one-year suspension and four-year show cause in August 2024.

Speaking on his “Triple Option Podcast” earlier this week, Meyer said he believes the NFL should follow the NCAA’s lead and punish Harbaugh. Before Michigan fans start hammering away at their keyboard, though, it doesn’t sound like Meyer’s take is personal. The three-time national champion cited the Indianapolis Colts’ decision to suspend ex -Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel in 2011, shortly after Ohio State dismissed Tressel following an investigation into improper benefits.

“[Tressel] went to the Indianapolis Colts to work in the replay room,” Meyer pointed out. “The Colts, because of the respect they had for the NCAA and the suspension … suspended Jim Tressel, so he was unable to perform his duties for the first six games of the year for the Indianapolis Colts.”

As of publication, neither the NFL nor the Chargers had punished Harbaugh. Meyer noted that he doesn’t believe there’s any chance that Roger Goodell and the NFL would suspend Harbaugh.

“I don’t know why,” Meyer said.

To his credit, Meyer called Harbaugh a “great coach” and said he’ll have no problems winning in the NFL. The Chargers went 11-6 in Harbaugh’s first season but lost to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card Round.

Prior to Harbaugh’s arrival, the Chargers had only reached the playoffs three times from 2010-13.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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