DETROIT — Connor Stalions got his wish of becoming a head coach, but perhaps not like this.
Michigan’s infamous former staffer has become acting coach for Detroit Mumford High School at least for tonight’s game against Hamady High School in Livonia, Michigan.
Stalions had been a volunteer defensive coordinator for the Mustangs but took over last week when head coach William McMichael suffered what he called “a mild stroke.” McMichael said he entered the hospital last Friday, Aug. 30, a day after a season-opening loss to Thurston, and stayed for three days.
“Connor is leading the team now,” McMichael texted CBS Sports.
McMichael told CBS Sports his return to work is “unknown.”
Stalions had been volunteer DC for the Mustangs since around Memorial Day. Mumford is 4-24 since the beginning of the 2022 season.
Stalions is the central figure in an ongoing NCAA investigation. The former Marine captain is accused by the NCAA of an elaborate advance scouting scheme regarding Michigan opponents. The school received its official notice of allegations in the case 10 days ago.
Stalions resigned at Michigan amid the scandal last November.
Calls and emails to Mumford principal Damon Pitt were not returned. Stalions ran the Mustangs through three hours of practice and meetings Thursday the day before the game. Only 30 players were dressed out Thursday.
“It’s a matter of keeping them bought in,” Stalions told CBS Sports.
Stalions’ stated goal in life is to one day become Michigan’s head coach. Asked whether he can become a college head coach at some point Stalions said, “I would hope.”
