The Michigan Wolverines have fired linebackers coach Chris Partridge and reportedly might’ve accepted the Big Ten’s suspension of Jim Harbaugh after finding new revelations from the NCAA.
Originally, the Wolverines’ athletic department intended to fight the three-game ban handed down to Harbaugh by pursuing all legal options available. However, the university announced on Thursday that Harbaugh accepted his suspension.
Related: Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh eyeing NFL
Now, one day after Michigan reversed course on Harbaugh’s suspension and backed down from a prolonged legal fight with the Big Ten, the Wolverines’ coaching staff is undergoing another major change with Partridge dismissed immediately.
According to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, Michigan leaders were presented with new evidence this week from the NCAA’s investigation into sign-stealing allegations. Those materials are believed to have led to the Wolverines dismissing their legal action against the Big Ten and firing Partridge.
In a statement on Friday, Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel announced that Patridge was dismissed and Rick Minter would take over as linebackers coach.
“Effective today, Chris Patridge has been relieved of his duties as a member of the Michigan Football staff. Rick Minter will serve as the team’s linebackers coach.”
Michigan Wolverines athletic director Warde Manuel on firing Chris Partridge
The reporting is also confirmed by sources who spoke to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The NCAA’s ongoing investigation into the sign-stealing scandal that has surrounded the Wolverines’ football program reportedly generated discoveries that have seemingly changed Michigan’s handling of the situation.
As part of the settlement with the Big Ten, conference officials won’t be pursuing any further discipline against Harbaugh or the Wolverines’ football program. However, enough evidence was discovered during the NCAA’s inquiry to compel Michigan to accept Harbaugh’s ban and dismiss Partridge as linebackers coach.
Partridge, age 43, joined the Wolverines’ coaching staff in 2015 as the director of player personnel after serving as one of the top high school football coaches in New Jersey. He was eventually promoted to special teams coordinator and linebackers coach (2016-’17), then became safeties coach (2018-’19) before joining the Ole Miss coaching staff (2020-’22).
The former Wolverines’ linebackers coach had returned to Michigan before the 2023 season in his same role as linebackers coach.
