John Harbaugh Says Jim Harbaugh’s Computer, Phone Searched in Sign-Stealing Probe

The Ravens coach gave an update on the probe into his brother’s program at Michigan, which included a search of personal electronic devices.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said that his brother, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, had his personal electronic devices searched as part of the probe into allegations of in-person scouting and sign-stealing, he told reporters on Tuesday.

“His phones, his computers and all that stuff has been looked at, and he’s come through this thing with flying colors,” John Harbaugh said. “I don’t know what they’re trying to get, but they don’t have anything of substance.”

Last week, the Big Ten suspended Jim Harbaugh for three games, but said that there was no evidence of any wrongdoing by Harbaugh. However, Harbaugh was suspended as he is the head of the football program and the alleged wrongdoing that violated the conference’s sportsmanship policy took place under his watch. 

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh spoke about his brother Jim’s suspension as the coach at Michigan :: Kimberly P. Mitchell/USA TODAY NETWORK

After the suspension was issued, Harbaugh and Michigan filed a temporary restraining order in hopes that Harbaugh would be able to coach in last Saturday’s win against Penn State. However, the temporary restraining order was not ruled upon, and a court date was set for Friday, Nov. 17.

If the judge does not rule in Harbaugh and Michigan’s favor, Harbaugh will be forced to sit out Saturday’s game against Maryland and the season finale against Ohio State in 10 days. 

With all the uncertainty surrounding the program in the midst of Michigan’s push for a College Football Playoff berth, John Harbaugh couldn’t help but be proud of how his brother has handled himself.

“I’m really impressed with the way he’s handled himself through all of this,” John Harbaugh said of his little brother. “It’s been a long run.”

All eyes will be on Friday’s court ruling on the temporary restraining order to see if the final two games of Harbaugh’s suspension will be upheld.

Michigan plays Maryland in College Park on Saturday at noon ET.