Michigan Football Program Fires Defensive Coach

Today, just hours after the Michigan football program backed out of its battle against the Big Ten Conference — which was supposed to bleed into the courtroom this afternoon — the team announced that it has moved on from linebackers coach Chris Partridge. Obviously, Partridge was seen as a major addition to the Jim Harbaugh-led coaching staff, serving as a Michigan assistant from 2015-2019 and being re-hired for the 2023 season. There has been no official announcement that ties Partridge to anything with Connor Stalions, though the timing is odd, to say the least.

Michigan Football Program Fires Defensive Coach

With the NCAA continuing its investigation into the Michigan football program for alleged illegal sign-stealing methods, the Wolverines have fired yet another member of their 2023 coaching staff. This time, it’s long-time Michigan assistant and former Ole Miss defensive coordinator Chris Partridge, who was one of the team’s top recruiters and a major defensive assistant for the Wolverines.

“Effective today, Chris Partridge has been relieved of his duties as a member of the Michigan football staff,” said University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel in a statement on Friday morning. “Rick Minter will serve as the team’s linebackers coach.”

Michigan has fired linebackers coach Chris Partridge. pic.twitter.com/dB9W7a2ZcM

— Blue By 90 (@bluebyninety) November 17, 2023

This weekend, even without Partridge, Michigan football and Jim Harbaugh will fly to College Park, MD, to face the Maryland Terrapins. Next weekend, the Wolverines return home to face No. 2 Ohio State at the Big House in a game that will likely decide the Big Ten title and College Football Playoff races.

We will have more on Blue by Ninety as this story continues to unfold.

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