Connor Stalions

Connor Patrick Stalions emerged from Marine Corps service to become central figure in college football's most controversial scandal, transforming from low-level analyst into national headline during Michigan's 2023 championship season. Born July 27, 1995 in Houston, Texas to Michigan alumni Brock and Kelly Stalions, Connor grew up in Lake Orion, Michigan where he played football and basketball at Lake Orion High School, winning 2010 MHSAA state football championship. Stalions graduated United States Naval Academy in 2017, serving as student coach for Ken Niumatalolo's Navy Midshipmen program. He commissioned as Marine Corps Logistics Officer, stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, reaching rank of Captain before honorable discharge in 2022. Joining Michigan as volunteer assistant (2018-2021) then defensive analyst (May 2022-October 2023), Stalions contributed to recruiting department and defensive staff during three consecutive Big Ten Championships and 2023 National Championship. However, an NCAA investigation revealed Stalions orchestrated elaborate advanced scouting operation violating NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1 prohibiting in-person opponent scouting. Purchasing tickets exceeding $35,000 across 52 games at 11 Big Ten schools over three years, Stalions created network he called "KGB" obtaining what he termed "dirty film." The investigation became public October 18, 2023. Stalions resigned November 3, maintaining neither head coach Jim Harbaugh nor staff knew of improper conduct. NCAA issued eight-year show-cause order August 15, 2025; Stalions' appeal was denied February 11, 2026, affirming all findings. Transitioning to high school coaching, Stalions served as Detroit Mumford defensive coordinator (2024) before Belleville High School hired him as offensive coordinator for playoffs. The Tigers defeated Ann Arbor Pioneer 68-0 and fourth-ranked Saline 42-7 before losing regional championship. During his tenure, five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood and recruit Elijah Dotson both flipped commitments to Michigan. The Netflix documentary "Untold: Sign Stealer" premiered August 27, 2024, featuring Stalions defending his methods while maintaining advanced scouting offered "minimal competitive advantage." Michigan received NCAA penalties exceeding $30 million in fines alongside suspensions for current coach Sherrone Moore and 10-year show-cause for Harbaugh.