The Michigan sign-stealing scandal continues to take unexpected turns.
New developments reveal that Central Michigan University is currently investigating the presence of Michigan staffer Connor Stalions on its sideline during the September 1 season opener against Michigan State, a team that Michigan is set to face in the future. Photos from the FS1 broadcast show a man resembling Stalions in CMU gear, standing alongside the team’s coaches and wearing a bench credential.
CMU athletic director Amy Folan released a statement stating, “We are in the process of determining the facts surrounding them. As this process is ongoing, we have no further comment at this time.”
This latest development adds to the investigation, which initially involved reports of Stalions purchasing tickets for games involving future Michigan opponents. However, this is the first time Stalions has been observed on the sideline directly facing an upcoming Michigan opponent’s sideline.
There is no indication that Stalions was recording the Michigan State sideline, as that would have been too obvious. So the question remains, if he wasn’t recording, why was he there (if he was there at all)? At most, he could have been making mental notes based on what he saw across the field.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has denied any knowledge of the alleged sign-stealing operation. However, according to NCAA bylaws, he is ultimately responsible for everything that occurs within the program.
This ongoing investigation has sparked speculation that Harbaugh may leave Michigan to return to the NFL, where he previously coached the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014. The NFL’s website has even hinted at the possibility of Harbaugh facing a suspension if he tries to make a comeback to pro football.
In the past, Harbaugh interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 and the Denver Broncos in 2023.
