“He’s just smarter than everybody else”: Dave Portnoy crowns former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions

Connor Stalions has over the months been one of the most hated figures in college football. The former Michigan staffer was said to have led the program’s alleged sign-stealing operation, which was discovered in 2023, leading to potential sanctions for the Wolverines.

Ahead of Michigan’s Week 2 game against Texas, Connor Stalions returned to Ann Arbor and was featured in Barstool Sports’ "High Noon" show. After bringing Stalions on stage, Dave Portnoy explained why the former Wolverines recruitment staff member should be admired across Ann Arbor.

“We should be welcoming Connor back with open arms,” Portnoy said. “Every school did what he's been accused of. He's just smarter and more Michigan than everybody else and they cry, and they cry. But this guy, he should be welcomed back with open arms. He's a national champion and we love him.”

Connor Stalions now a high school coach

Following his exit from Michigan at the height of the sign-stealing scandal, Connor Stalions landed a high school coaching job in August. He was hired as defensive coordinator at Samuel C. Mumford High School in Detroit, Michigan, which marked a new beginning for him.

“He’s great with the kids, has an outstanding football mind and we’re learning a lot — not just the kids, but the coaching staff,” Mumford head coach William McMichael said. “He’s a great addition to what we’re doing.”

“He can help prepare the kids for college. They are learning the lingo, how they practice in college and how they break down film, so it gives the kids an advantage.”

Stalions is now the acting head coach of Mumford as McMichael reportedly suffered "a mild stroke."

Netflix released the documentary "Sign Stealer" on Aug. 27, which delved into the events surrounding the alleged sign-stealing scheme. As one of the key figures involved, Stalions was among the individuals interviewed and provided insight into the controversial situation.

Connor Stalions records a blowout loss in his first game at Mumford

Connor Stalions made his high school coaching debut on Friday night, but it was a tough outing as Mumford suffered a crushing 60-0 defeat to Flint Hamady, and his team dropped to 0-2 on the season. Nonetheless, Stallions has a huge plan for the school.

“I came to Mumford because I wanted to help flip the culture," Stalions told The Detroit News. "They are not used to winning, and I wanted to help show these guys the actual process of what it's going to take to win, because they eventually will win, and for me, that's more gratifying than going to a program that's already winning.”

While a return to college football might be highly unlikely, Stalions will aim to build a strong reputation at the high school level in the next couple of years with Mumford.