Michigan fires LBs coach after reported new evidence in sign-stealing scandal
Michigan fired linebackers coach Chris Partridge on Friday, the school announced.
The Wolverines didn't publicly disclose a reason for the move, but it comes after Michigan was presented with new evidence in the NCAA's investigation into the program's alleged sign-stealing scheme, report Ross Dellenger and Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports.
The NCAA's new information includes allegations that a booster nicknamed "Uncle T" may have partially funded Connor Stalions' advanced scouting operation and that an assistant coach participated in the destruction of computer evidence, according to Dellenger and Wetzel.
Partridge isn't alleged to have known about Stalions' scouting tactics, but he reportedly attempted to cover them up after reports of the sign-stealing scheme emerged.
Pete Thamel of ESPN also had access to the specific language Michigan used to fire Partridge.
"The university has received evidence that you have 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 failed to satisfactorily perform your duties," the school told Partridge.
Michigan also dropped its legal action against the Big Ten on Thursday, effectively accepting Jim Harbaugh's three-game suspension to resolve the pending litigation. Harbaugh will sit out his team's final two regular-season games versus Maryland and Ohio State after missing last week's win over Penn State.
Partridge returned to Michigan for the 2023 season and helped the Wolverines build one of the nation's best defenses. The team has allowed only 7.5 points per game this campaign, the best mark in the country. Partridge previously worked for the school in multiple roles from 2015-19 before a three-season stint at Ole Miss.
"Although the Big Ten has closed its investigation, we are continuing to cooperate with the NCAA as it moves forward with its ongoing investigation," Michigan said in a statement Friday, according to Brett McMurphy of Action Network. "Consistent with our commitment to integrity, we will continue to take the appropriate actions, including disciplinary measures, based on information we obtain."
Partridge is the second Michigan assistant to leave the school since the NCAA began looking into the Wolverines in the wake of sign-stealing allegations. Stalions - the school's recruiting analyst at the center of the investigation - resigned from his position on Nov. 3.
Rick Minter will serve as the team's linebackers coach moving forward.