Why Did Michigan Fire Linebacker Coach Chris Partridge? What Is His Involvement In NCAA Sign-Stealing?

On Friday, Michigan made the announcement that Chris Partridge, the linebackers coach, had been let go with immediate effect.

The news was made the day after Michigan announced that coach Jim Harbaugh will serve out his three-game ban imposed by the Big Ten and that the university was withdrawing its lawsuit against the conference.

Why Did Michigan Fire Linebacker Coach Chris Partridge? What Is His Involvement In NCAA Sign-Stealing?

No further explanation was given for Patridge’s termination.

Michigan intended to challenge the Big Ten’s decision to suspend Harbaugh for three games and seek a temporary restraining order to postpone his punishment in court. However, Michigan and the Big Ten announced on Thursday that Harbaugh will serve the three-game penalty to end the regular season, resolving their legal disagreement.

Partridge’s termination was due to his noncompliance with the NCAA probe, an insider informed ESPN.

“From the outset, our focus has been on seeking due process and allowing the NCAA to conduct a fair and deliberate investigation,” Michigan said in a prepared statement. “Although the Big Ten has closed its investigation, we are continuing to cooperate with the NCAA as it moves forward with its ongoing investigation. Consistent with our commitment to integrity, we will continue to take the appropriate actions, including disciplinary measures, based on information we obtain. Earlier today, Michigan Athletics relieved Chris Partridge of his duties as a member of the Michigan Football staff. Due to employee privacy laws, we are unable to comment further.”

Thamel reported Partridge was fired, according to Michigan, because he “failed to abide by the university directive not to discuss an ongoing NCAA investigation with anyone associated with the Michigan football program or others and as a result has determined that you have satisfactorily perform your duties.” That was the reason given for Partridge’s termination.

Michigan’s decision to fire Partridge after deciding to impose sanctions signals a shift in the institution’s perspective on the probe. Sources informed Thamel that information obtained from NCAA interviews had a role in both Partridge’s dismissal and the Big Ten decision’s approval.

The linebackers coach for Saturday’s Wolverines game against Maryland will be Rick Minter. In 2015, Partridge worked as Michigan’s director of player personnel. From 2016 to 2019, he coached linebackers, safeties, and special teams.

After that, Partridge worked for Ole Miss for three seasons as a co-defensive coordinator before moving back to Michigan in February 2023.

 

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