Jim Harbaugh may have won a College Football Playoff title with the Michigan Wolverines, but a hive of fans isn’t letting him off easy yet. As the Los Angeles Chargers enjoy a new winning streak under Harbaugh, gaining him new supporters in the NFL, there is unfinished college football business with Michigan’s ongoing NCAA investigations.
The controversy stems from an ongoing NCAA investigation into Michigan’s alleged sign-stealing, which has tainted Harbaugh’s recent accomplishments for a few. However, there are still those who credit him for the significant milestones.
Fans Debate Over Jim Harbaugh and His Time at Michigan
Although Michigan saw undeniable success from 2021 to 2024, going undefeated in the 2023 regular season and claiming a championship, some still view Michigan’s success as asterisk-filled wins. A critic took to X to troll Harbaugh for the mistakes allegedly made under Jim’s leadership at Michigan.
One fan bluntly posted, “His record at Michigan was pretty awful up until Stallions took over. We don’t count anything from 2021-2023 (currently under NCAA Investigation).”
His record at Michigan was pretty awful up until Stallions took over. We don't count anything from 2021-2023 (currently under NCAA Investigation*)
— B (@GoBucks5240) November 18, 2024
However, the comments dictated a different story. A Harbaugh fan simply wrote, “Delusional.”
Delusional.
— A24 (@22_account26816) November 18, 2024
Another one commented, “You still believe that? Give it up.”
You still believe that? 😭 Give it up
— rnichigan (@rnichigan) November 18, 2024
A fan spit the facts straight, “Pretty awful? They had the 17th best win% before that. He took over a program that had 1 double-digit win in the previous 8 seasons. He had 3 in his first 4 seasons. Cool story.”
Pretty awful? They had the 17th best win% before that.
He took over a program that had 1 double-digit win in the previous 8 seasons. He had 3 in his first 4 seasons.
Cool story
— Michigan 5-5 (@fustanjones) November 18, 2024
Another joked, “Sanctions,” with a “What an Idiot!” GIF.
Sanctions. pic.twitter.com/B3JVJLg9na
— D.J. McIntee (@mcintee73) November 18, 2024
One fan simply disagreed, writing, “It was never awful.”
It was never awful
— Fbrwhifb Dehude (@FDehude5287) November 18, 2024
Another added a picture of the CFP National Championship win, with a message, “Yeah Anyways…”
Yeah Anyways… pic.twitter.com/VZdBWtux0Q
— Ryan 🤥 (@ryguy829) November 18, 2024
So, is Harbaugh’s recent record something to celebrate, or is it too tainted to cheer for?
Fans remain divided, but his success on paper is hard to deny and with the Chargers doing better, it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
Jim Harbaugh Is Taking the Chargers to a New Level
If you believe the fans and his men, Harbaugh has brought a fresh vibe to the Los Angeles Chargers. The team’s recent victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, 34-27, was a complete transformation from their “Chargering” days (AKA losing games late). This time, they held strong, and everyone pointed to Harbaugh as the reason for the shift.
Players are buying into Harbaugh’s style wholeheartedly. Linebacker Daiyan Henley credited the coach with giving the team a “purpose” they hadn’t felt before. Even Joey Bosa, the team’s veteran rock, said he has “a special feeling” this season, unlike anything he’s experienced in past years.
It’s no longer just about “almost” moments for the Chargers. With Harbaugh at the helm, the team is building a reputation as a true contender, bringing a new level of belief that Chargers fans have been waiting for.