“Behind the Curtain: Could Connor Stalions’ Comeback Transform Michigan’s Coaching Dynamics?”

In the ever-turbulent world of college football, few stories capture the imagination quite like that of Connor Stalions. Once a scapegoat in the Michigan sign-stealing scandal, his narrative has taken a surprising twist, transforming from villain to somewhat of a folk hero among Wolverines fans. Can a scandal truly be washed away by victory and savvy recruiting? The case of Stalions seems to suggest so, as he returns to the limelight with aspirations of donning the head coach’s cap at Michigan. But, oh, the irony! Stalions isn’t opposed to working for a rival Big Ten school—just not those that wear the blue and yellow’s most bitter rival colors. As he moves on from his past and takes the reins as offensive coordinator at Bellevue High School, you have to wonder: What does it really take to earn redemption in the cutthroat world of college football? Buckle up as we dive into the resurrection of Stalions’ career and what this means for the future of Michigan football. LEARN MORE.

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For a brief time former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions was a pariah at the University of Michigan for his involvement in the Michigan sign stealing scandal in 2023. But between Michigan’s eventual national title and his work in helping to recruit star players to the program as a high school coach, he’s largely been redeemed in the eyes of Michigan fans.

Stalions may just use that redemption to someday return to the Michigan coaching staff, or so he hopes.

He stated as much in a recent interview with On3’s J.D. PicKell. During that interview, Stalions reiterated his longstanding goal of someday becoming the head coach of his beloved Wolverines. He declared that he’s prepared to “out-wait anyone” for his dream job.

“Of course,” Stalions said. “I’ll out-wait anyone. Whenever it’s time.”

But he also made it clear that he isn’t above taking a job at another Big Ten school if it means a chance at building his resume and securing the Wolverines job. Though there were two exceptions.

“If it’s not Ohio State [or] Michigan State,” Stalions stated. “They’d be crazy to do that. I think they’d know that if I were actually at Ohio State, we would, you know, I don’t know — go 11-0, and then, you know, take a knee when we’re down or something late in the game.”

“I’m not a fan of Michigan State,” Stalions said. “I got nothing against Jonathan Smith. He’s their new head coach. I mean, it was Mel Tucker, before that Mark Dantonio… I respect him (Dantonio), not a fan.”

HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 8: J.J. McCarthy #9 and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate their victory against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 8, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images

2024 saw Stalions join Bellevue High School as offensive coordinator, where he played a role in getting top quarterback prospect Bryce Underwood and defensive back Elijah Dotson to flip their commitments to Michigan for the 2024 season.

If Stalions can do that kind of recruiting for the Wolverines when he isn’t even a part of their organization, it’ll be easy for fans to imagine what he can do with the Michigan staff again.