Former Michigan staffer Connor Stalion now coaches at Belleville

(CBS-DETROIT) – The Belleville High School football team has confirmed it has added a new coach to its arsenal for their playoff run.

Connor Stalions, the man at the center of a sign-stealing controversy at the University of Michiganhe will now coach one of the best high school football programs in the state, and perhaps the country.

Belleville head football coach Dejuan Rogers told CBS that Detroit Stals became part of the coaching staff shortly after the end of the regular season.

“I called Coach Will (McMichaels) and asked him if he knew any reliable help that could help us in the playoffs and he recommended Connor,” Rogers said.

Stallions coached with McMichaels this past season at Mumford High School in Detroit where they finished the regular season 1-8.

McMichaels had previously coached at Belleville with Rogers, so when he recommended Stalions, Rogers didn’t hesitate to bring him onto the team.

Rogers said Stalion’s presence is making a difference very quickly.

Stallions the offense has been shouting since the start of the playoffs.

“Connor… he has been a great tool for us in improving the way we attack opposing defenses,” Rogers said.

Rogers said Stalsions also assists on defense and special teams.

“I am grateful to work with Coach Rogers, Coach Norman and the rest of the staff,” Stalions said. “There is a very high expectation to win here in Belleville. All the players have responded very well to the quick adjustments we have made, and it is fun working with them on a daily basis.”

“We’re not the same team that people saw in the game against Howell,” Rogers added.

Rogers returns to Belleville to coach. He had previously coached the team to a state title in 2022 before leaving during the 2023 season to take a coaching job at Tiffin University.

Rogers had taken over after then-coach Jermaine Crowell suspended by the Michigan High School Athletic Association for undue influence.

Now Rogers is back for the playoffs as co-head coach alongside Coach Calvin Norman. Rogers is also the acting defensive coordinator.

“The kids were excited to have me back, I was happy to be back and the looks on their faces were priceless. I think it gave us a momentum boost for this playoff run after a tough loss to Howell Rogers added. .

The Belleville Tigers, led by the nation’s top-ranked recruit, quarterback Bryce Underwood, recently defeated Saline in the District Championship, 42-7.

Last week, the Tigers defeated Ann Arbor Pioneer 68-0 – the most points they have scored all season.

Their next playoff game is Friday, Nov. 15 against Detroit Catholic Central, the top-ranked team in the state.

Note: The above video originally aired on August 28, 2024.