On Wednesday, Big Ten coaches gathered for a video call with commissioner Tony Petitti to discuss typical business around the conference. But they also spent roughly an hour out of the 90-minute call to allow for an open conversation about the ongoing investigation into the Michigan Wolverines’ sign-stealing controversy.
The Michigan discussion, which took place without coach Jim Harbaugh due to his ties to the Wolverines, featured what ESPN’s Pete Thamel described as a “vast majority” of Big Ten coaches expressing their discontent with the ongoing investigation.
Coaches reportedly got emotional, leading to an intense meeting, but ultimately, Big Ten coaches want the conference to take action immediately against Michigan.
“Collectively, the coaches want the Big Ten to act — right now,” said a source familiar with the call. “What are we waiting on? We know what happened.”
Michigan has been under investigation for at least two weeks since the sign-stealing scandal emerged. Since then, we’ve seen one DIII coach admit to being paid to record opponent sidelines for Connor Stalions, the suspended Michigan staffer.
Big Ten coaches continued to express their frustration over how Michigan has gained a significant schematic advantage over the past three years thanks to the illegal operation.
ESPN also pointed out Michigan’s record through the three years Stalions has been accused of stealing signals. In that time, the Wolverines have gone 33-3 overall and 22-1 in Big Ten play. The three years prior, Michigan went 21-11 overall and just 16-8 against the Big Ten.
One source went as far as to say, “Every game they played is tainted.”
NCAA rules allow the Big Ten to punish Michigan and members of its staff, which is clearly what other coaches in the Big Ten would like to see. Yet, since the investigation is still currently ongoing, its possible everyone involved is simply waiting for all the information to make their final decision regarding any potential punishment or penalties.
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