Takes DNA to tell what it is. IMO, in a great many cased a mutt. Since eastern wolves are coyote-wolf mutts, maybe a double mutt. Which makes enforcement of regulations, wolf federally protected, coyote, shoot anytime, interesting.
The weird thing about that big “thing” I saw, was it was a beautiful red-blonde color and a long coat too. It was fall when I saw it. Probably had a thicker winter coat. It almost looked like a very big reddish blonde colored big Golden Retriever but had longer legs. This thing was huge. I have Dobermans and I estimated the creature I saw to be as tall as my Dobermans, but it looked beefier due to the long thick coat. My dogs weigh around 100 pounds. This thing’s fur made it look heavier than it was, I estimate at around 70 pounds.
I think you are right, that I saw a hybrid. The color was within coyote colors and the huge ears were, but the size of the body was too big for just a coyote. Left a big impression on me, obviously. I’d never seen anything like it before.