Certainly Not a Surprise-Why didn’t Michigan coaches put a stop to sign-stealing scheme by Connor Stalions?

For over a year, many believed Stalions was just a rogue, low-level staff member acting alone. The assumption was that Michigan’s coaching staff would never let something like this go unchecked, as it could harm the program’s reputation and future success. However, recent reports suggest otherwise, and Michigan’s response to the NCAA’s Notice of Allegations (NOA) further complicates the situation.

Michigan’s 137-page response names three coaches who were aware of Stalions’ questionable sign-stealing activities. These coaches include former running backs coach Mike Hart, former linebackers coach Chris Partridge, and former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

The report highlights a 2023 instance where Hart became aware of something off with Stalions. Hart received a call from someone on the Rutgers coaching staff, who raised concerns about Stalions going beyond typical sign-stealing methods. Hart then reportedly informed Minter about the issue, but the report does not clarify what action, if any, Minter took.

Another troubling moment involves Partridge. A low-level staffer reported that Stalions asked him to rent a car to scout a Georgia football game—an opponent not on Michigan’s schedule but potentially a future playoff contender. After learning about this, Partridge allegedly confronted Stalions, telling him to avoid involving the staffer, instructing him to “just have him be a manager.”

With three key coaches aware of what was happening, it’s difficult to understand why nobody stepped in to stop it. Furthermore, it’s hard to believe that none of this information ever reached Jim Harbaugh.

According to Michigan’s own response, Stalions’ actions ultimately provided little to no competitive advantage.