Pete Thamel reveals Michigan's reasoning for firing Wolverines assistant Chris Partridge

ESPN’s Pete Thamel has provided some deeper insight into Michigan’s reasoning for firing assistant Chris Partridge.

The news surrounding the now-former Michigan linebackers coach, who was in his second stint with the Wolverines, has dominated headlines on Friday. In his stead, it was revealed Rick Minter will serve as the interim linebackers coach. He’s the father of Michigan’s current defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter.

Per Thamel, Michigan is stating that the reasoning for firing Partridge relates to receiving evidence that Partridge did not “abide by the university directive not to discuss an ongoing NCAA investigation with anyone associated,” which means he ” failed to satisfactorily perform” his duties.

“As we discussed today, 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,” Michigan said, via Thamel.

Later, Thamel clarified some confusion as to what Michigan meant by their statement, “Per an ESPN source, this passage from Michigan refers to Partridge’s conversations within the program, including staff and players. Staff members are directed by the school/NCAA to not discuss the investigation,” the ESPN analyst wrote.

Moreover, Partridge’s firing is reportedly related to the ongoing NCAA investigation into impermissible scouting. Partridge “is not alleged at this time of knowing about the advanced scouting by Stalions, but acted after the fact to cover up evidence” according to a report from Yahoo! Sports. 

To date, the only staffer for Michigan football who was known to be involved is now-former staffer Connor Stalions. 

Multiple reports after the firing indicated that decision to stand down from suing the Big Ten and subsequently firing Partridge are a reflection of a new tone from Michigan in regard to the NCAA investigation. NCAA investigators reportedly shared more evidence with Michigan earlier this week.

Partridge joined the Michigan staff in 2015 as director of player personnel, part of the first staff that head coach Jim Harbaugh assembled. He eventually moved into a role as special teams coach and also coached a handful of position groups.

He briefly went to Ole Miss, starting in 2020, where he eventually served as co-defensive coordinator. Partridge rejoined the Michigan staff prior to the 2023 season, serving as linebackers coach this year prior to his sudden firing.

Alas, it’s another one of the dominoes that have fallen due to the Michigan sign-stealing scandal. It remains to be seen what happens next, but the story has already taken a myriad of twists and turns over the last couple of weeks.

Michigan fans, and college football fans around the nation, will have their eyes peeled.

On3’s Andrew Graham contributed to this article.