As the Michigan Wolverines become increasingly embroiled in the NCAA investigation over sign-stealing allegations, Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema took to social media to remind everyone of former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh’s past self-righteous comments about playing the game the “right way.”
Bret Bielema Goes All Out Against Jim Harbaugh on Social Media
Bielema wasted no time making his thoughts known after news broke that Michigan planned to contest the NCAA’s allegations against Harbaugh and his former staff. He retweeted an old clip of Harbaugh from his days with the San Francisco 49ers, in which Harbaugh stated:
“You always want to be above reproach… Because if you cheat to win, then you’ve already lost.”
Bielema added a dry, biting caption:
“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.”
— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) January 29, 2025
To ensure his point wasn’t missed, Bielema followed up by retweeting a post detailing Michigan’s efforts to fight the NCAA’s accusations, making it crystal clear that he saw Harbaugh’s past words coming back to haunt him. Bielema added a little more heat to the fire by sharing another post quoting Harbaugh himself:
“Tell the truth, always. If you lie…it’s over.”
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
For Bielema, this was the perfect opportunity to jab at a rival coach and he didn’t let it go to waste at all.
Michigan’s Defense Against NCAA Allegations
While Bielema took aim at Harbaugh, Michigan mounted a staunch defense against the NCAA’s accusations. The university submitted a 137-page response to the governing body, disputing the claim that their alleged sign-stealing operation had a significant impact on competition.
Despite accusations that former staffer Connor Stalions orchestrated an elaborate scheme to illegally scout future opponents, Michigan argues the evidence against them is weak. The NCAA’s case hinges on 11 violations, with six categorized as Level I infractions—considered the most serious.
MORE: 2025 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 Power Rankings
Yet, Michigan refuses to settle, insisting the allegations lack credibility. Even Stalions, the alleged mastermind of the scheme, has denied any wrongdoing, stating he never directed anyone to attend games for in-person scouting.
The situation remains fluid, but one thing is clear: while Michigan fights its legal battle, Bielema is relishing the opportunity to remind everyone of Harbaugh’s past moral grandstanding. Whether this is simply gamesmanship or a deeper frustration with college football’s power dynamics, Bielema has ensured his voice—and his trolling—are impossible to ignore.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.
