Throughout Jim Harbaugh’s tenure at Michigan, his most vocal critic has been ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum. So, when Illinois head coach Bret Bielema took aim at Harbaugh on social media this past Tuesday, Finebaum predictably joined the fray. This came on the heels of Ross Dellenger’s report on Yahoo Sports, which revealed Michigan’s intention to challenge the NCAA’s decision regarding the Connor Stallions sign-stealing scandal. In a 137-page document, Michigan argued that the NCAA was “grossly overreaching” and “wildly overcharging” the program, citing a lack of credible evidence surrounding the sign-stealing allegations.
This prompted Bielema to criticize Harbaugh on social media, referencing an old clip of Harbaugh while he was head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, in which he stated, “If you cheat to win, then you have already lost.” Bielema tweeted, “Really…. Why did you leave? Was looking forward to playing but understand why you ran to the NFL. See you in the future and can’t wait.”
Really…. Why did you leave?
Was looking forward to playing but understand why you ran to the #NFL
See you in the future and can’t wait #famILLy #ILL https://t.co/4y7C5ecvUA
— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) January 29, 2025
Finebaum later shared his thoughts on Bielema’s criticisms during Wednesday’s episode of The Paul Finebaum Show, reiterating his belief that Harbaugh is a “disingenuous fraud.” “I’ve always liked Bret,” Finebaum remarked, according to Nick Schultz of On3 Sports. “He was fun when we were together. But he is right. Harbaugh is just a disingenuous fraud about all the things he used to say. He didn’t want to face the music. By the way, Michigan didn’t really want him to stay.”
Finebaum has made it clear that he holds Harbaugh accountable for the sign-stealing scandal that transpired under his leadership, even suggesting that Harbaugh’s shift from college football to the NFL this past season was “good for the sport.” Despite Harbaugh’s transition to the NFL and his ongoing success with the Los Angeles Chargers, it appears Finebaum continues to harbor negative views regarding Harbaugh’s legacy at Michigan.
