Report: A Michigan football coach was fired for concealing evidence in a sign-stealing investigation.
Michigan dismissed linebackers coach Chris Partridge.
The University of Michigan football team abruptly fired its linebackers coach one day after reaching a settlement with the Big Ten over head coach Jim Harbaugh’s suspension.
The announcement came Friday afternoon, after Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel said Chris Partridge had been relieved of his duties. The university provided additional context in a larger statement Friday afternoon:
“From the beginning, our goal has been to ensure due process and allow the NCAA to conduct a fair and deliberate investigation. Although the Big Ten’s investigation has concluded, we will continue to cooperate with the NCAA as it conducts its own investigation. In accordance with our commitment to integrity, we will continue to take appropriate actions, including disciplinary measures, based on
“From the beginning, our goal has been to ensure due process and allow the NCAA to conduct a fair and deliberate investigation. Although the Big Ten’s investigation has concluded, we will continue to cooperate with the NCAA as it conducts its own investigation. Consistent with our commitment to integrity, we will continue to take appropriate actions, including disciplinary measures, based on the information we receive. Earlier today, the Michigan Athletics relieved Chris Partridge of his duties as a member of the Michigan Football Staff. We are unable to provide any further comment due to employee privacy laws.
According to Yahoo Sports, Partridge is not accused of knowing about Connor Stalions’ advanced scouting but “acted after the fact to cover up evidence.”
According to Yahoo Sports, a Michigan booster has been named in the NCAA investigation for helping fund the alleged sign-stealing scheme.
On Thursday, the University of Michigan and the Big Ten reached an out-of-court settlement over a challenge to Harbaugh’s suspension in the sign-stealing investigation. The agreed-upon settlement includes Harbaugh serving the final two games of his suspension.
Yahoo Sports reports the new developments altered Michigan’s and Harbaugh’s approach to appealing the suspension.
Partridge was on Michigan’s football coaching staff from 2015 to 2019 before leaving for Ole Miss. He returned to Michigan this season as linebacker coach.
Michigan will face Maryland on Saturday at noon.
