Fired Michigan linebackers coach Chris Partridge says he had no knowledge of violations, didn't destroy evidence
The Michigan athletic department fired football linebackers coach Chris Partridge Nov. 17, one day before the team played at Maryland and notched its 1,000th all-time victory, amid the ongoing NCAA investigation into the Wolverines for alleged illegal off-campus scouting.
Partridge released a statement Monday afternoon saying that some media reports on the matter were inaccurate and shedding some light on his termination.
“Out of deep respect and consideration for the young men of Team 144, I waited to issue this statement to avoid additional distractions to the Team as they achieved their goal of defeating Ohio State and completing an undefeated regular season,” Partridge began.
“Unfortunately, the manner in which the termination of my employment and my role as a coach at Michigan has been reported is inaccurate and has resulted in people speculating and making assumptions about my knowledge of, and connection to, the sign-stealing allegations within the football program. I want to be clear: I had no knowledge whatsoever of any in-person or illegal scouting, or illegal sign stealing. Additionally, at no point did I destroy evidence related to an ongoing investigation.
“As explained to me by Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel in person on the morning of November 17, 2023, and as set forth in my termination letter of the same date, signed by Doug Gnodtke, Michigan Athletics Chief of Staff, I was terminated because of a failure ‘to abide by the University directive not to discuss an ongoing NCAA investigation with anyone associated with the Michigan Football Program.
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“I take pride in being a trusted mentor to the athletes that I coach. One of my core values is to be a source of support, through thick and thin, for each and every student-athlete that I am responsible for. I have never wavered from that responsibility. While I am extremely disappointed by the University’s decision to terminate my employment, their decision does not change my continued love and support of Coach Jim Harbaugh, the coaches and the players of Team 144 as they continue on their quest for a National Championship!”
Partridge was a beloved member of the Michigan staff and top-notch recruiter. Players have said in the days following his dismissal that they’re playing “for him.”
Partridge was hired back by Harbaugh ahead of the 2023 season, following three seasons at Ole Miss, coordinating the Rebels’ defense. Partridge spent the previous five seasons at Michigan, beginning as the program’s director of player personnel in 2015 after being hired from his post as head coach of Paramus (N.J.) Catholic. He served as Michigan’s special teams coordinator for four seasons (2016-19), which included two seasons as safeties coach and two seasons as linebackers coach.
