Fired Michigan coach Chris Partridge thanks NCAA after having his name ‘cleared'
The ex-Michigan coach, who is now the outside linebackers coach of the Seattle Seahawks, spoke out regarding his 2023 dismissal after Michigan was hit Friday with a fine of at least $20 million by the NCAA in the alleged Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal.
Partridge was fired two years ago for reportedly failing to 'abide by the University directive not to discuss an ongoing NCAA investigation with anyone associated with the Michigan Football Program,' according to his termination letter.
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Linebackers Coach Chris Partridge speaks with Michael Barrett of the Blue Team during the second quarter of the Michigan Football spring game at Michigan Stadium on April 1, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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The new NCAA report said Partridge will receive no punishment in the scandal.
The NCAA noted that 'although questions remain about Partridge's knowledge of the impermissible scouting scheme, there is insufficient information to reasonably conclude that Partridge attempted to influence a student-athlete to lie about it to the enforcement staff.'
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In a brief but pointed statement, Partridge addressed an investigation, saying he was 'grateful' for the NCAA's 'thorough' work.
Former coach Jim Harbaugh, who led the team at the time of the alleged scheme, received a 10-year show-cause penalty beginning Aug. 7, 2028.
Current Michigan coach Sherrone Moore was given an extra one-game suspension for the 2026 season opener on top of the self-imposed Weeks 3 and 4 ban.
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Michigan Wolverines logo on the field during a game against USC Trojans at Michigan Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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ESPN reported that Michigan's fines are supposed to go to the NCAA Student Assistance Fund, which is intended to help Division I college athletes 'with needs that arise during college that fall outside of expenses covered by traditional scholarships.'
Partridge is entering his second year on the Seahawks staff, a tenure that followed his one year as the Michigan linebackers coach.
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Previously, he had other roles on the Michigan staff from 2015-19, including director of player personnel and special teams coordinator.
He was also co-defensive coordinator at Ole Miss from 2020-22.
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