Former Michigan Football Linebackers Coach Issues Statement Regarding His Firing
Former Michigan Football linebackers coach Chris Partridge was fired just one day after head coach Jim Harbaugh accepted a three-game suspension from the Big Ten roughly one week ago. Although Michigan announced that Partridge had been fired in an official statement, the University did not offer any additional comments on what led to his firing. Although the University did not offer any additional insight, several reports indicated that Partridge had destroyed evidence in an attempt to help cover for former U-M staffer Chris Stalions in the midst of an NCAA investigation.
On Monday, Partridge issued a lengthy statement to clarify the circumstances that led to his firing.
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.
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 any evidence related to the 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.”
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 their quest for a National Championship!
Although the NCAA investigation surrounding the sign-stealing scheme led by Connor Stalions is not yet complete, the Big Ten Conference recently announced that it has been provided no evidence that head coach Jim Harbaugh was involved or had any knowledge about the actions of Stalions – something Harbaugh himself has stated firmly from the very beginning.
Harbaugh will return to action this weekend as the Wolverines made their third consecutive trip to Indy for another shot at the Big Ten Championship and ultimately a spot in the final four of the College Football Playoff.
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