Michigan Suspends Defensive Analyst Linked to Scouting, Sign-Stealing Scandal

The University of Michigan Athletics suspended Connor Stalions, with pay, pending the conclusion of a NCAA investigation, according to athletic director Warde Manuel on Friday.

Stalions, according to his now-deleted LinkedIn page, is a Michigan Football defensive analyst and Marine Corps veteran, Kalamazoo CBS affiliate WWMT reported.

NCAA announced an investigation into allegations of sign-stealing by No. 2 Michigan on Thursday.

Related: Michigan Football Under Investigation for In-Person Scouting, Sign-Stealing

Sources told ESPN on Thursday that the NCAA enforcement staff's level of interest in Stalions is so significant it sought access to his computer as part of its investigation. Sources indicated that the process is underway, although it's uncertain what investigators will find.

Attempts by ESPN to reach Stalions were not returned. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel did not return a request seeking comment.

A source told ESPN that the Wolverines have used an "elaborate" scouting system to steal signals from future opponents since at least 2021. With the ongoing NCAA investigation into Michigan recruiting and coach Jim Harbaugh potentially facing additional penalties there, this separate investigation could significantly increase his exposure to additional suspension.

In a statement Thursday, Harbaugh denied any knowledge of or involvement in the alleged scheme to steal opponents' signals through scouting trips to out-of-town games. Harbaugh said he would fully cooperate in any investigations and doesn't "condone or tolerate anyone doing anything illegal or against NCAA rules."

"I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed any staff member or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment," Harbaugh said in the statement.

If the allegations are proven to be true, Michigan would have violated NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1, which states: "Off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents (in the same season) is prohibited."

Even though Harbaugh said he had no knowledge of the alleged scheme, pursuant to NCAA Bylaw 11.1.2.1, a head coach is "presumed to have knowledge of what is occurring in his program and therefore, can be responsible for the actions of his staff and individuals associated with the program."

Earlier this year, the NCAA "removed the rebuttable presumption from head coach responsibility, making whether the head coach promoted compliance and/or monitored the program relevant to penalty determinations only."

"I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action," Harbaugh said in his statement. "No matter what program or organization that I have led throughout my career, my instructions and awareness of how we scout opponents have always been firmly within the rules."

Around Michigan's football building, Stalions is known to technically work in the recruiting department under director of recruiting Albert Karschnia. But a source told ESPN it was known in the building that he spent much of his time deciphering opponents' signals, often watching television copies of opponents' games. On Stalions' Instagram page, there are photos of him on the sideline next to two of Michigan's former defensive playcallers, Don Brown and Mike Macdonald.

Michigan traveled to East Lansing on Saturday, defeating Michigan State, 49-0. Undefeated through eight games of the 2023 season, the Wolverines have outscored their opponents 325 to 47.