Who is Rick Minter? Meet Michigan football's Chris Partridge replacement
Michigan football will be without linebackers coach Chris Partridge moving forward after the athletic department announced his dismissal on Friday morning. Rick Minter, an analyst with the team and father of defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, will step in as his replacement.
Partridge’s firing seems to go hand-in-hand with head coach Jim Harbaugh accepting the three-game suspension handed down by the Big Ten for the alleged Michigan illegal sign-stealing operation. It remains unclear at this point what Partridge’s connection was, but the fact is that his time at U-M has come to a close.
Minter joined the staff as an analyst in 2022 shortly after Jesse Minter was hired as Mike Macdonald’s replacement as defensive coordinator.
He brings with him a plethora of coaching experience, which began in 1977. Minter is most known for coaching Cincinnati from 1994-2003. Prior to that stint he spent time at Henderson State, Arkansas, Louisiana Tech, North Carolina State, New Mexico State, Ball State and Notre Dame.
Stints since his time leading Cincinnati include South Carolina, Notre Dame, Marshall, where he also served as interim head coach in 2009, Indiana State, Kentucky, Georgia, State, Florida Tech and Southern Miss. Minter also had pro coaching stints with the Philadelphia Eagles as their linebackers coach from 2013-15 and with the Birmingham Iron as defensive coordinator in the now-defunct Alliance Of American Football.
“He’s who I’ve learned the most from in football,” Jesse Minter said last offseason. “He’s always been a resource for me wherever I’ve been at. He lived in Nashville last year, so we spent a lot of time together.
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“I’m thrilled to have him here and glad Coach Harbaugh was able to offer him an opportunity. I appreciate his presence and his wisdom, just not only for me, but for the rest of the defensive staff as well.”
Harbaugh has leaned on both of the Minters for defensive knowledge the last few years, and spoke about both Jesse and Rick Minter’s abilities in October.
“Jesse Minter is outstanding, outstanding in every facet,” Harbaugh said. “Apple doesn’t fall too far from the branch. Rick Minter, seen a lot of football. Seen a lot of balls kicked off. He’s come about it really good. In his own way. He’s really a great coach at everything. At his knowledge, at his teaching, his ability to adjust. He’s wicked smart. So many things that are great. He’s doing a tremendous job.”
Now, amid a turbulent time for the program, the elder Minter is being pressed into action.
Saturday afternoon’s game between Michigan and Maryland kicks off at 12 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally via FOX.
