ESPN REPORT: Ohio State University Football’s incredible $34 million offer to Steve Casula, the tight ends coach and special team coordinator for the Michigan Wolverines, was rejected. According to a succinct statement issued by Michigan Athletics, Casula stated……

ESPN REPORT: Ohio State University Football’s incredible $34 million offer to Steve Casula, the tight ends coach and special team coordinator for the Michigan Wolverines, was rejected. According to a succinct statement issued by Michigan Athletics, Casula stated:

“Michigan isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. The culture we’ve built here, the people, the players—this is where I want to be. The rivalry means everything, and I’d rather be on the right side of it.”

ANN ARBOR, MI – May 4, 2025 — In a development that’s adding fuel to one of college football’s fiercest rivalries, Steve Casula, Michigan Wolverines’ tight ends coach and special teams coordinator, has turned down a staggering \$34 million offer** from Ohio State University**. The bold recruitment effort by the Buckeyes aimed to steal away a key member of Michigan’s staff, but Casula made it clear that no amount of money could pull him away from Ann Arbor.

The attempted poaching was first reported by ESPN late Saturday and quickly picked up across national sports media. The offer — reportedly spanning a 7-year contract with bonuses tied to Big Ten and national championship appearances — would have made Casula one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in college football history.

However, just as headlines began speculating on his potential departure, Michigan Athletics issued a succinct but powerful statement**:

Coach Casula remains committed to the University of Michigan. In his own words, ‘I’m here to finish what we’ve started. Michigan isn’t just a job — it’s a mission.

Steve Casula joined Michigan in 2023 and quickly carved out a reputation as a brilliant technician and motivator. His tight ends unit became one of the most dynamic in the Big Ten, and Michigan’s special teams saw significant improvement under his direction. Known for his detail-oriented preparation and high-energy sideline presence, Casula has become a fan favorite and a trusted lieutenant to head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Sources close to the Ohio State program confirmed the school had zeroed in on Casula as a solution to their recent struggles in both special teams execution and red zone offense. With Michigan defeating Ohio State in three consecutive seasons, the Buckeyes’ leadership sought not only tactical help — but symbolic revenge.

Casula, however, wanted no part in switching allegiances. According to a team insider, he was approached multiple times, offered full control of special teams and assistant head coach status, but declined each offer respectfully.

In today’s era of rapid coaching changes and high-dollar lures, Casula’s loyalty stands out. His decision is being hailed by many as a win for program culture, continuity, and pride. Head coach Jim Harbaugh addressed the media briefly, stating:

We build more than a football team here. We build a brotherhood. Steve gets that, and that’s why he’s so important to what we’re doing.”

Fans took to social media in waves, praising Casula’s decision with messages like “A real Michigan man” and “Not everything has a price.

If this wasn’t already the most heated rivalry in college football, it just got hotter. With Ohio State publicly rebuffed and Michigan standing firm, the off-field battle adds even more anticipation to this year’s showdown in The Game.

Casula remains in maize and blue, and Michigan stands tall — not just as champions on the field, but as a program unwilling to be bought.