For a while, Connor Stalions found himself in hot water at the University of Michigan due to his connection with the sign-stealing controversy in 2023. However, after Michigan clinched a national championship and thanks to his efforts in drawing star players into the program while serving as a high school coach, he has largely won back the hearts of Michigan supporters.
Stalions is hopeful that this new-found admiration might someday lead him back to the Michigan coaching staff. He certainly has his sights set on it.
In a recent chat with On3’s J.D. PicKell, Stalions reiterated his ambition to eventually become the head coach of the Wolverines, a role he regards with deep affection. He expressed his willingness to wait for as long as it takes to fulfill this aspiration.
“Of course,” Stalions confidently stated. “I’ll out-wait anyone. Whenever it’s time.”
Yet, he’s open to expanding his horizons if necessary, indicating he’s not closed off to taking on coaching roles at other Big Ten schools to build his credentials, with a couple of significant caveats.
“If it’s not Ohio State [or] Michigan State,” Stalions remarked. “It’d be unthinkable. Everyone knows if I were handling the reins at Ohio State, we’d likely go 11-0, and might just run the clock down or something when behind late in the game.”
“Michigan State? Not a fan,” he added. “I bear no ill will towards Jonathan Smith, their new head coach. Before him, it was Mel Tucker, and prior to him, Mark Dantonio… Dantonio earns my respect, but still, not a fan.”
In 2024, Stalions took up a role as the offensive coordinator at Bellevue High School, where he successfully convinced top talents like quarterback Bryce Underwood and defensive back Elijah Dotson to change their college commitments to Michigan for the 2024 season.
What’s impressive is that if Stalions can recruit so effectively without being an official part of the Wolverine outfit, one can only imagine the influence he could wield if he made his way back to the Michigan coaching ranks.
