Jim Harbaugh jokes that watching college football during suspension put him in 'Hog Heaven'

Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh served a three-game suspension to open the 2023 season. During that time, he was seen doing things like working the chains at his son’s youth game. It also gave him the chance to be a fan of the sport on Saturdays.

After returning to the sidelines in Week 4, Harbaugh shared just how much he loved being able to sit down and watch college football during his suspension.

“I was watching [the Ohio State–Notre Dame game]. My wife got this YouTube TV,” Jim Harbaugh said. “It’s like half the price of DirecTV. No offense DirecTV, but we’re over there at YouTube TV now. There must be 150 games to watch. So, I’m in Hog Heaven Saturday night, watching those games.”

Jim Harbaugh served a self-imposed three-game suspension to start the season after negotiations with the NCAA for a four-game suspension were shot down. This was related to alleged recruiting violations within the program and the NCAA wasn’t happy with Harbaugh’s level of compliance toward the investigation.

While Harbaugh was enjoying himself watching football on YouTube TV during the suspension and after it ended, he did admit that he probably didn’t learn much about any future opponents.

“Watching a lot of them, and then you can go back and watch them again if you didn’t watch the one. It’s like taped for you right there. So, I don’t know if I learned anything, but just bouncing around, watching a lot of football.”

In Jim Harbaugh’s absence, four different assistant coaches acted as head coaches in Michigan’s three games. One of those assistants was Mike Hart, who became the first black head coach in program history. In those games, the Wolverines went 3-0 against overmatched competition. In Harbaugh’s return, Michigan kicked off Big Ten play with a win over Rutgers.

After his time acting as Michigan’s head coach, Mike Hart shared how much he appreciated the opportunity.

“It was awesome to have the opportunity,” Hart said. “I don’t think we really, you know, we miss coach Harbaugh. He’s the one that runs the show. But the culture he’s put here, placed within the coaches, how we operate on game day, hasn’t really switched much. Honestly having coach [Sherrone] Moore back was huge. And being able to call the offense, his energy, and how smart of a coach he is.”

Jim Harbaugh praised the defensive effort against Rutgers

In Jim Harbaugh’s return to the sideline, Michigan held Rutgers to just seven points. After the game, he praised his team’s effort on defense.

“Well they stepped up big time and made the plays, the fourth downs you referred to, some big third down stops as well,” Harbaugh said.

“Got the ball back for the offense made a huge play by Mike Sainristill. The difference maker right here. When you need somebody to make the magic happen, this guy right here does it right here.”