Former Belleville (Mich.) head coach hired at River Rouge (Mich.)

Former Belleville (Mich.) head football coach Jermain Crowell has been hired at River Rouge (Mich.) after the conclusion of a two-year suspension from coaching in the state of Michigan, according to The D Zone.

Crowell, who coached Michigan quarterback signee Bryce Underwood at Belleville, was removed from his position ahead of the 2022 state playoffs after the Michigan High School Athletic Association suspended him until the 2025 high school football season. The MHSAA determined Crowell violated the undue influence rule when a student at Detroit King said Crowell contacted him prior to his freshman year.

The MHSAA accused Crowell of picking up and dropping off players at summer practice sessions and 7-on-7 competitions.

“I want people to know you didn’t hear me contest their decision because some of the things they accused me of, I did,” Crowell told CBS in January 2023. “I did pick up and drop off because they had no other way.”

In eight seasons at Belleville, Crowell amounted an impressive 86-10 record. Now, he’ll get the chance to be back on the sidelines at River Rouge.

Underwood started at quarterback for the Tigers in his freshman and sophomore seasons under Crowell. Belleville won state championships both seasons — despite Crowell’s absence for the 2022 playoffs. Underwood also earned MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year honors in his lone full season under Crowell.

Belleville has not won a state title since 2022.

Crowell takes over a River Rouge squad that finished 6-5 in 2024. The Panthers entered the postseason 4-4 before managing to rattle off a pair of wins against Southgate Anderson and Riverview, before falling to Detroit Martin Luther King.