Connor Stalions, the former Michigan football staffer at the center of a sign-stealing scandal, endured a rough debut as head coach of Mumford High School in Detroit, losing his season opener by a lopsided margin.
Connor Stalions, the former Michigan football staffer embroiled in a sign-stealing scandal, had an inauspicious start to his tenure as head coach of Mumford High School in Detroit.
Stalions' debut on Friday night ended in a resounding 47-6 loss to Redford Thurston, leaving him the target of barbs on social media. One user quipped, "I feel like there's a joke in here somewhere," while another lamented, "He found out you can't buy tickets to HS games on Ticketmaster."
Connor Stalions' Coaching Debut Falls Short Amid Sign-Stealing Saga
Stalions resigned from his role at Michigan last year after allegations surfaced that he had stolen opponents' signs at games. He remains under investigation by both the university and the NCAA, facing potential penalties.
Despite the allegations, Stalions landed a head coaching position at Mumford High School. However, his debut was marred by the lopsided defeat, which sent his detractors into a frenzy.
Connor Stalions' Coaching Debut Falls Short Amid Sign-Stealing Saga
"Give Connor time Mumford fans, once he finds out all their plays you guys will be cooking," one user wrote sarcastically.
The sign-stealing scandal has continued to cast a shadow over Stalions' coaching career. Earlier this month, Michigan received a draft of the NCAA's notice of allegations, which found evidence that Stalions wore Central Michigan gear with a sideline pass during a game against Michigan State in 2023.
Connor Stalions' Coaching Debut Falls Short Amid Sign-Stealing Saga
The NCAA also found that Sherrone Moore, who was promoted to head coach after Jim Harbaugh's departure, could face suspension and a show-cause penalty after allegedly deleting text messages between him and Stalions.
The controversy has put Stalions at the center of attention, both positive and negative. While some have criticized his actions, others have defended him, arguing that he was simply taking advantage of a loophole in the rules.
As the NCAA investigation continues, Stalions must navigate the challenges of leading a high school football program while dealing with the fallout from the scandal. His debut loss is unlikely to silence his detractors, but it remains to be seen whether he can turn around Mumford's fortunes and overcome the stigma of his past.
