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Chris Partridge Sues Michigan Over 2023 Firing, Says He Was Made a Scapegoat

The federal complaint follows the NCAA’s 2025 infractions decision that largely cleared him of the most serious allegations.

Image
Apr 13, 2019; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines special teams coordinator Chris Partridge looks on during the spring football game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Partridge filed a 46-page wrongful-termination suit on March 11 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against the university, its Board of Regents and athletic director Warde Manuel.
  • The complaint alleges Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti shared uncorroborated second-hand information and pressured Michigan, contributing to Partridge’s ouster as part of resolving litigation tied to Jim Harbaugh’s suspension.
  • Partridge denies instructing a player to be untruthful or destroying evidence, saying he advised the player to get an attorney and be honest; the NCAA Committee on Infractions later did not sustain the key allegations against him.
  • Michigan terminated Partridge on Nov. 17, 2023 during the Connor Stalions sign-stealing probe; the next day the school and the Big Ten agreed Harbaugh would finish a three-game suspension as the conference ended its inquiry.
  • Seeking lost wages and damages for reputational and personal harm, Partridge says he wants his name cleared; he is currently on the Seattle Seahawks’ staff and hopes to return to college coaching.