Tag: sign stealing

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh watches from the sideline beside off-field analyst Connor Stalions during at Ohio State in 2022.

NCAA denies Connor Stalions’ appeal of Michigan sign-stealing penalty

Posted on | by Field Level Media

An NCAA appeals committee denied former Michigan staff member Connor Stalions’ appeal of the eight-year show-cause penalty he received for his role in a sign-stealing scandal.

Stalions had argued that the August ruling from the NCAA Committee on Infractions was based on “procedural errors” and a misapplication of the bylaws prohibiting in-person scouting of future opponents.

Stalions, 30, filed the appeal in October, and the appeals committee deliberated his case twice in December before issuing its final decision on Wednesday.

“We find that the record clearly supports that procedures were followed in relation to cases that originated with a confidential source and the hearing panel relied only on corroborating information when making its determinations,” the appeals committee wrote in its report.

“Further, Mr. Stalions failed to demonstrate a link between any initial publicity about the allegations and a failure by the enforcement staff to follow their policies and procedures, especially in light of the necessity to limit potential game integrity impacts under the circumstances.”

In its August ruling, the infractions committee determined that Stalions was at the center of the scheme to collect cellphone videos of signals from games of the Wolverines’ opponents during the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons. Michigan won the national championship in 2023.

Former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who left to coach the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024, received a 10-year show-cause penalty. His successor, Sherrone Moore, served a three-game suspension before being fired in December for allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

–Field Level Media

Oct 25, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; University of Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore walks into Spartan Stadium before a game against the Michigan State Spartans. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

Sherrone Moore, Michigan dropped NCAA appeals

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Michigan and head coach Sherrone Moore withdrew separate appeals with the NCAA Committee on Infractions related to punishment levied for their role in the program’s sign-stealing violations.

Former head coach Jim Harbaugh was hit with a show-cause penalty in August when the NCAA also punished Moore and fined the university for what it termed multiple Level I violations for “impermissible off-campus scouting.” The fine could reach $30 million based on past revenue sharing from the Big Ten Conference.

The NCAA COI database recorded withdrawn appeals by the University of Michigan on Oct. 6, one week after Moore ended his appeal.

Michigan won the national championship and went undefeated under Harbaugh in 2023 when Moore served as offensive coordinator. The NCAA did not vacate wins from that season or previous years but found unpaid assistant Connor Stalions was assisting the Wolverines by illegally stealing the play-call signs of opponents and exploiting the advantage on game day.

Moore, who served a two-game suspension earlier this season and is scheduled to sit out the 2026 season opener against Western Michigan, has a two-year show-cause penalty. The NCAA asserts Moore destroyed evidence and failed to be forthcoming with the committee during the investigation into Stalions and what other coaches on the staff knew and when.

When the ruling became public in August, Moore and Michigan vowed to fight the penalties.

“In a number of instances the decision makes fundamental errors in interpreting NCAA bylaws; and it includes a number of conclusions that are directly contrary to the evidence — or lack of evidence — in the record,” the university said in August.

–Field Level Media

Sep 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen reacts from the sidelines during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Jags coach Liam Coen, 49ers DC Robert Saleh in heated exchange after game

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Previously unbeaten San Francisco’s loss to Jacksonville on Sunday included a heated exchange after the game between 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, who had to be separated.

Saleh had raised Coen’s ire on Thursday when he remarked about the Jaguars coaches being adept at “legally” stealing opponents’ signs, which he framed as a compliment. Coen didn’t take it as such and apparently let Saleh know after Jacksonville’s 26-21 win over the 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif.

Saleh was restrained by a Niners staff member, and Coen by Jaguars offensive lineman Robert Hainsey, according to multiple reports of the midfield encounter when coaches and players from both teams more typically exchange pleasantries and congratulations.

“Not a big deal,” Coen, a first-year head coach whose team is 3-1, told reporters after the game. “I’m just going to keep that between us right now. That’s it.”

Saleh, a former New York Jets head coach and longtime NFL assistant, was not available to media after the game.

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan, whose squad fell to 3-1, had said on Friday that Saleh was praising the Jaguars’ ability to pick up on opponents’ signs. He said on Sunday that he didn’t see their Sunday meeting.

“I don’t think you should be that sensitive about it, but it is what it is,” Shanahan said. “I’m not too worried about it.”

Shanahan said his organization doesn’t care if Saleh’s comments upset the Jaguars’ coaching staff.

“It has no effect on the game,” Shanahan said. “I think Saleh was paying them a big compliment in what they’re good at doing. It’s not illegal. He said (there is) nothing illegal about it. I think you use the word sign stealing and what the headlines get with those type of words, I think the perception of that becomes wrong.”

The origin of the comments goes back to when Saleh was asked on Thursday about the main challenge for the 49ers’ defense against the Jaguars.

“They’ve got, legally, a really advance signal-stealing type of system where they always find a way to put themselves in an advantageous situation,” Saleh said Thursday. “They do a great job with it.”

Saleh traced Coen’s coaching history with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, and Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski’s time coaching under Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. Both McVay and O’Connell have worked with Shanahan or in his systems.

–Field Level Media

A Michigan football helmet on the field during warmup at the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 20, 2024.

Reports: Michigan receives sign-stealing NOA from NCAA

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The Michigan Wolverines on Sunday received a notice of allegations from the NCAA stemming from an alleged sign-stealing scandal amid the team’s national championship run last season, multiple media outlets reported.

The program has 90 days to respond to the NOA, which, per the Detroit Free Press, accuses first-year head coach Sherrone Moore and six other team staff members of violating NCAA rules.

The NCAA would have 60 days to reply to Michigan’s response. From there, the NCAA would evaluate scheduling a potential hearing on the Committee of Infractions, which could occur after the 2024 season.

“The NCAA can confirm that a Notice of Allegations has been distributed to the school and involved parties in the Michigan investigation,” the NCAA said in a release. “To protect the integrity of the infractions process as the case progresses forward, the NCAA will not provide any further comment on the specifics included.”

Per ESPN, a draft of the NOA leaked earlier this month revealed that Moore could be suspended for allegedly deleting over 50 text messages with former Wolverines staff member Connor Stalions last October.

Stalions allegedly bought tickets to attend games featuring Michigan’s future opponents to illegally steal signs using technology. He resigned last year on Nov. 3, roughly two weeks after being suspended amid the sandal.

ESPN reported that the allegations could result in a Level 2 violation for Moore, who could also classify as a repeat offender following a past investigation into recruiting violations in 2021.

Former Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh and two additional ex-staffers were accused of Level 1 violations — the most major — for their alleged involvement in the sign-stealing scandal, per ESPN.

Harbaugh became the Los Angeles Chargers’ head coach in January, leaving Moore as Michigan’s lone remaining staff member linked to the sign-stealing allegations.

The No. 9 Wolverines host Fresno State in the season opener on Saturday.

–Field Level Media

Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh speaks in a press conference after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh on NCAA sanctions: No time for ‘Rumorville’

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Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh maintains the looming possibility of the NCAA vacating the No. 1-ranked Wolverines’ victories during the 2023 season is nowhere near the team’s radar before the College Football Playoff national championship on Monday night in Houston.

“We’re thinking about we’ve got one phase line to go here, that’s Monday night, it’s Washington,” Harbaugh said Wednesday as the Wolverines make final preparations for the No. 2 Huskies before traveling to Texas. “We’re going to do anything and everything in our power to get ready for that football game.”

Michigan used a carousel of assistant coaches in Harbaugh’s head-coaching role this season. The Wolverines have a program-record 14 wins entering the national title game but Harbaugh was on the sideline for only half of them. He was suspended twice — four games to begin the regular season and three games by the Big Ten following an investigation into sign-stealing allegations.

Harbaugh said his message this week will be two-fold: Washington is a great team, and Michigan responds to pressure situations. He pointed to instances of responding to adverse conditions or poor decisions in the Rose Bowl, such as quarterback J.J. McCarthy throwing an interception — overturned by replay because the defender was ruled out of bounds — on the first offensive play from scrimmage.

“J.J., the first play of the game, clearly throwing the ball away. And I can tell you having made a bad play in a football game, it’s like a train going through your head of you just almost see red,” Harbaugh said. “… There are a lot of guys that will hang their heads and go into the tank, or get that deer-in-the-headlights look. But every guy that had that happen in the game came back and made a phenomenal play.”

Michigan last won the national championship in 1997, albeit a split title with Nebraska, capped by a win over Washington State in the Rose Bowl. The Wolverines have never played in the national championship in the BCS or CFP era.

Harbaugh didn’t want to discuss sign-stealing or the possibility the NCAA could punish Michigan with sanctions — including erasing wins.

“Getting ready for this game. One-track mind. I guess you want to live in the world of Rumorville or speculation, but we just don’t really have any room to be doing that at this point. Our time is spent elsewhere,” Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh is also not planning to discuss his future as speculation around NFL interest continues to swirl.

“Just taking care of business today, very one-track mind, dominate the day,” Harbaugh said. “Wake up tomorrow and see if we can’t dominate that day.”

–Field Level Media

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) watches a play from the sideline during the second half of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy: Ohio State sign-stealing since 2019

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Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy voiced frustration with the ongoing sign-stealing narrative around the No. 1-ranked Wolverines ahead of the College Football Playoff national championship on Monday night.

McCarthy claimed Michigan used legal means only to study and understand opponents’ hand signals and their correlated play calls only after learning Ohio State had ripped off signs from the Wolverines.

“About 80 percent of teams in college football steal signs,” he said. “We actually had to adapt because in 2019, 2020, Ohio State was stealing our signs. Which is legal. We had to get up to the level they were at and make it an even playing field.”

Michigan (14-0) advanced to the CFP title game in Houston with an overtime win in the Rose Bowl, stopping Alabama inside the 5-yard line to secure a shot at the championship in a season otherwise defined by distraction.

McCarthy said he’s not spending another ounce of energy defending Michigan or talking about his NFL future.

“All I really care about is winning football games,” he said.

McCarthy spent time before the Rose Bowl as he does every game, shoeless, still and meditating with his back against one goalpost staring across the distance of the field to the other goalpost. He said he captured a few more minutes postgame on New Year’s Day, reflecting on what it took to be in that moment with Michigan.

“The extra work, all the different things that I did this past offseason and this season, just reflecting back on those and how hard I pushed myself,” McCarthy said of where his mind went during the quiet minute postgame. “Training seven or eight times per week. Going to an extra trainer and throwing up every single time I was there.

“I’d do it all over again if I had the choice.”

With a nod to Tom Brady, head coach and former Michigan quarterback Jim Harbaugh said this week that McCarthy is the best Wolverines QB in program history.

“I’ve said it before, this is the greatest quarterback in the University of Michigan college football history,” Harbaugh said. “Got a long way to go to get to where Tom Brady eventually got to, which is the G.O.A.T., he’s lapped the field when it comes to that. But in a college career, there’s been nobody at Michigan better than J.J. We talk about an amalgamation of quarterbacks — he’s that guy.”

–Field Level Media

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh's college football program is being investigated for sign-stealing.

Jim Harbaugh accepts suspension; Big Ten ends Michigan investigation

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Officials at Michigan said the university is dropping its appeal of football coach Jim Harbaugh’s three-game suspension from the Big Ten, ending its litigation against the conference.

In exchange, the Big Ten agreed to close its investigation into allegations of sign-stealing.

The university was seeking an injunction that would have allowed Harbaugh to be on the sideline Saturday against Maryland, and the two sides were due in court on Friday.

“This morning, the University, Coach Harbaugh, and the Big Ten resolved their pending litigation. The Conference agreed to close its investigation, and the University and Coach Harbaugh agreed to accept the three-game suspension,” read Michigan’s statement, which added Harbaugh “decided to accept this sanction to return the focus to our student-athletes and their performance on the field.”

The Big Ten suspended Harbaugh for three games last Friday amid an investigation into allegations of sign-stealing and in-person scouting by at least one former member of his staff. At the time, the Big Ten said there was no evidence linking Harbaugh to wrongdoing but that he was suspended as the face of the program.

“The Conference has confirmed that it is not aware of any information suggesting Coach Harbaugh’s involvement in the allegations,” Michigan’s statement read. “The University continues to cooperate fully with the NCAA’s investigation.”

In its own statement, the Big Ten said Michigan’s action is “indicative of the high standards and values that the Conference and the University seek to uphold.

“The University of Michigan is a valued member of the Big Ten Conference and the Conference will continue to work cooperatively with the University and the NCAA during this process,” the statement said.

The Big Ten suspension was only for games, meaning Harbaugh can coach in practice throughout the week. He was not present when No. 3 Michigan defeated then-No. 10 Penn State on the road.

The Wolverines travel to Maryland this weekend and then face No. 2 Ohio State at home, with a berth in the Big Ten title game — and potentially the College Football Playoff — on the line.

Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, who led the Wolverines against Penn State, will be the interim head coach against Maryland. A win would give Michigan football its 1,000th victory in school history.

–Field Level Media

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh's college football program is being investigated for sign-stealing.

Big Ten serves Michigan notice of potential discipline

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The Big Ten Conference formally notified the University of Michigan of potential disciplinary action pertaining to the football team’s sign-stealing scandal, school officials told media outlets Monday evening.

The notice of disciplinary action is an early step in the process written into the Big Ten’s sportsmanship policy.

“In the event it becomes clear that an institution is likely to be subjected to disciplinary action, the Commissioner shall notify that institution or individual at the earliest reasonable opportunity,” the policy says. “Under no circumstances shall the Commissioner comment publicly regarding either an investigation or disciplinary action without having first provided notice to any involved institution or individual.”

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, a member of the College Football Playoff selection committee, said in a statement that he is not traveling to the Dallas area for this week’s rankings meeting “but instead will stay in Ann Arbor, attending to important matters regarding the ongoing investigation into our football program.”

Both signs point to a disciplinary ruling coming down the pipeline from Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti in the near future. The Athletic reported that officials expect a resolution by the middle of the week.

Connor Stalions, the football analyst identified as the person of interest at the center of the alleged sign-stealing, resigned on Friday after spending two weeks serving a suspension with pay.

Michigan is under investigation for allegations of impermissible off-campus scouting and sign-stealing. Multiple outlets have reported that Stalions had purchased game tickets to watch Big Ten foes as well as several potential College Football Playoff opponents such as Georgia, Clemson and Alabama. Stalions also reportedly bought seats at numerous Big Ten games in areas where the opponents’ sideline signals could be viewed.

In a statement via his attorney when he resigned, Stalions said he was not told by head coach Jim Harbaugh “nor any other coach or staff member” to break any rules, nor were they aware of his conduct.

Harbaugh has denied having knowledge of any wrongdoing. Michigan is planning to respond with legal action if the Big Ten chooses to suspend Harbaugh indefinitely, ESPN and The Athletic reported.

The NCAA joined a separate investigation being conducted by Central Michigan over whether Stalions snuck onto the Chippewas’ sideline during their Sept. 1 season opener at Michigan State.

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh watches from the sideline beside off-field analyst Connor Stalions, right, during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium.

Report: Alleged Michigan sign-stealer on sideline at Big Ten opponent game

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Officials at Central Michigan are reviewing photos that could be of Connor Stalions — a Michigan staff member at the center of a potential sign-stealing scandal — roaming the sidelines in the season opener at Michigan State, ESPN reported Tuesday.

Central Michigan athletic director Amy Folan told ESPN via a prepared statement that the school learned of the photos Monday night. The man in the pictures, who looks like Stalions, is dressed in Central Michigan attire and has on a bench credential as he stands on the sidelines, per the report.

His pass gives him access to areas of the sidelines reserved for players and specific staff members, including coaches.

“We are in the process of determining the facts surrounding them,” Folan said in the statement. “As this process is ongoing, we have no further comment at this time.”

The NCAA is investigating Michigan for violating rules regarding off-campus scouting of upcoming foes, with Stalions the alleged ringleader of a sign-stealing operation.

Michigan suspended Stalions with pay earlier this month, and head coach Jim Harbaugh denied knowledge of any wrongdoing.

ESPN reported Tuesday that it had obtained photos that showed a man in sunglasses holding what looked like a play sheet that he held near his face, although he still was caught by the television cameras.

While Stalions reportedly bought tickets to a variety of games featuring opponents the Wolverines could face, ESPN said the Central Michigan photos would place him on the field of a game involving a Michigan opponent for the first time.

Michigan State lost to Michigan 49-0 on Oct. 21.

On Monday, Harbaugh pushed back against multiple reports that a contract extension offer was being withdrawn, or at least put on hold, due to the ongoing sign-stealing investigation, telling reporters he “wouldn’t say that’s accurate.”

He added it is against policy to talk about ongoing contract negotiations.

The No. 2 Wolverines (8-0) host Purdue on Saturday.

–Field Level Media

Sep 16, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; General view of the kick off between the Michigan Wolverines and the Bowling Green Falcons in the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Big Ten ticket purchases tied to Michigan staffer

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Citing information from 11 different Big Ten schools, ESPN reported Monday that the Michigan staffer under investigation in a sign-stealing probe had purchased tickets for more than 30 conference football games over the past three seasons.

Connor Stalions was suspended with pay by Michigan, according to multiple outlets, after the NCAA began a probe into a Wolverines staffer using electronic equipment to decipher play calls from the sideline for various Big Ten teams, typically an opponent on the Michigan schedule later that season.

According to the report, Stalions has forwarded his purchased tickets at Big Ten stadiums other than Michigan’s to at least three other parties. Security footage from one unnamed Big Ten school reportedly revealed a person taping the home team’s sideline with an iPhone for the entire game from a seat purchased by Stalions.

Stealing signals from the sideline during a game is not a violation of Big Ten rules, but using electronic equipment to do so does violate a subsection of the NCAA football rulebook. Also under investigation is whether or not Michigan violated a separate scouting rule.

The No. 2 Wolverines (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) are in their bye week and will return to face Purdue at home Nov. 4.

Stalions was a volunteer at Michigan from 2015-22, according to ESPN, citing a LinkedIn account. He was hired by the school full time in May 2022 at a yearly salary of $55,000.

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh denied having knowledge of his program illegally stealing signs and said he doesn’t “condone or tolerate anyone doing anything illegal or against NCAA rules.”

Michigan also is under investigation for potential recruiting violations during the COVID-19 dead period.

–Field Level Media