Day before Michigan’s game against Maryland, assistant coach Chris Partridge was sacked, adding to the unrest at No. 2.
(AP) ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Wolverines, who are currently the subject of an NCAA investigation for a sign-stealing conspiracy, lost linebackers coach Chris Partridge on Friday. Head coach Jim Harbaugh won’t be on the sidelines until after Michigan’s game against Ohio State the following week.
Warde Manuel, the athletic director, cited employee privacy regulations but refused to comment on Partridge’s termination. Reportedly, Partridge attempted to conceal evidence once the plan was made public, according to Yahoo Sports, which cited unnamed sources. A text message from The Associated Press requesting comment was not returned by Partridge.
Manuel stated that the institution was still cooperating with the investigation and that “from the outset, our focus has been on seeking due process and allowing the NCAA to conduct a fair and deliberate investigation.” “We will continue to take the appropriate actions, including disciplinary measures, based on information we obtain, in accordance with our commitment to integrity.”
The dismissal occurred the day after the university and the Big Ten Conference agreed to a deal whereby Harbaugh would serve the final two games of his three-game ban in exchange for the conference ceasing its inquiry into the claims of sign-stealing. In the regular-season finale against the third-ranked Buckeyes next week, Harbaugh won’t be on the sidelines; instead, his assistants will handle the coaching.
Two weeks ago, Connor Stalions, the former employee at the focus of the probe, resigned. He is charged with buying tickets to watch prospective Michigan opponents and sending individuals to those matches to capture team signals on camera. The NCAA forbids in-person scouting as it investigates the level of organization and knowledge behind the scam.
After three seasons as Mississippi’s safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator, Partridge returned to the program in February.
Harbaugh stated at the time, “Since we began working together in 2015, Chris has been a trusted agent, known friend, and ally.”
Prior to the 2019 season, Partridge was employed by Harbaugh from 2016 to 2019. During his first tenure with the Wolverines, he was appointed as the team’s director of player personnel and later promoted to assistant coach for four years.
The Big Ten suspended Harbaugh last Friday, so he was unable to attend Penn State’s triumph the following day. A day ahead of the planned court hearing, on Thursday, an agreement was made to have the suspension lifted, notwithstanding Michigan’s request for a court injunction.
Coach Harbaugh is allowed to lead the squad during the week. Harbaugh also received a three-game suspension at the start of the season due to a separate and unresolved NCAA infractions case relating to recruiting. The Wolverines are aiming for their third consecutive Big Ten title and College Football Playoff berth, and they are among the favorites to win a national championship.
