Pete Thamel: Ohio State victory in 'The Game' could put Jim Harbaugh's coaching career at a crossroads

Jim Harbaugh’s career could get very interesting if Ohio State beats Michigan Saturday in the latest edition of The Game.

Harbaugh will miss his third consecutive game on the sidelines for Michigan as a result of the suspension from the sign stealing scandal. However, the Wolverines haven’t missed a beat since Sherrone Moore took over as acting head coach.

But with Michigan’s toughest test yet, a potential loss to the Buckeyes could make things very interesting, per Thamel.

“I think the most interesting part of the stakes of this game, that makes it so unique amid this historic rivalry, is that the real stakes are it could send Jim Harbaugh back to the sideline,” Thamel said on Monday Blitz. “Look, obviously, if Michigan wins this game, it plays in the Big Ten title game against Iowa and then would go on to the third consecutive College Football Playoff appearance. If Ohio State wins in Ann Arbor, it would put Jim Harbaugh’s coaching career at a crossroads.” 

What kind of crossroads? Well, Thamel described the potential punishment in 2024 that could have ripple effects.

“He already faces potential suspension to start next season from the NCAA for the recruiting violations that he’s essentially already admitted to that the school self-imposed a three-game suspension to start this year,” Thamel said. “Put on additional suspensions from the allegations, which the Big Ten has called facts, of the illicit sign-stealing scheme, and there’s additional potential suspension for Harbaugh.” 

Thamel described upwards of a six-game suspension to start 2024. Does that appeal to Harbaugh? If he wins the national title this year, maybe he won’t care.

But don’t forget Harbaugh’s flirtation with the NFL over the last couple of seasons.

“It’s not outlandish to say that he could be facing a suspension for the first half of next season from the games,” Thamel said. “Does he want to do that? He’s flirted with the NFL the last two years. Does Michigan want to do that? They’ve already lost their head coach for 6 of the 12 games this year. So it’s going to be a really interesting crossroads that they would stare at if that clock hits zero and Ohio State is ahead on the scoreboard.”

Of course, if Michigan wins Saturday, Harbaugh will only focus on what’s ahead: the Big Ten Championship against Iowa and the College Football Playoff, should the Wolverines win the conference for the third straight year.