Michigan announced that it has fired linebackers coach Chris Partridge on Friday, but didn’t provide a reason for the decision. Rick Minter, the father of Wolverines defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, will take over in the position.
Michigan is embroiled in controversy regarding an alleged sign-stealing scheme, as the Wolverines already parted ways with staffer Conor Stalions earlier this month. Michigan announced Thursday that it dropped its appeal regarding coach Jim Harbaugh’s punishment by the Big Ten Conference, and he will serve the full three-game suspension to end the regular season.
In a statement, Michigan explained that it is still cooperating with the NCAA investigation even though the Big Ten investigation is closed.
“Consistent with our commitment to integrity, we will continue to take the appropriate actions, including disciplinary measures, based on information we obtain,” the school said. “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.”
Michigan received new information regarding the NCAA’s investigation that led to a “sea change” regarding its view of the situation, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, including the decision to fire Partridge and drop the legal appeal.
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Partridge, 43, coached at Michigan in a variety of roles between 2015 and ’19. After three years as the co-defensive coordinator at Ole Miss, Partridge returned to Michigan this season as the linebackers coach.
The Wolverines are 10–0 overall and 7–0 in Big Ten play this season with a matchup at Maryland (6–4, 3–4) set for noon ET Saturday.
