Former Michigan linebackers coach Chris Partridge has initiated legal proceedings against the University of Michigan, its board of regents and its athletics director, alleging wrongful termination in 2023 during the NCAA's investigation into sign-stealing allegations. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Michigan, contends his firing was "wholly unjustified and without legitimate cause," violating his Fourteenth Amendment right to due process.
Background of the NCAA Investigation
Partridge was dismissed from his position in November 2023 as the NCAA probed claims that former university staffer Connor Stalions had purchased tickets to scout opponents and dispatched individuals to record teams' signals during games, a practice banned by the NCAA. Stalions resigned earlier that month. In 2025, the NCAA's Committee on Infractions concluded that Stalions had orchestrated a scouting scheme over several years, also uncovering recruiting violations that resulted in substantial fines for the school. Notably, Partridge was largely exonerated of any misconduct in the final findings.
Allegations of Reputational Damage
The legal complaint asserts that the university "unjustly terminated Partridge’s employment and spread false and damaging information regarding his professional conduct, tarnishing Partridge’s hard-earned reputation and inflicting irreparable harm on his career and personal well-being." Specifically, it mentions that some athletics department employees and at least one Board of Regents member informed a sportswriter that Partridge was fired for "destroying evidence," a claim subsequently reported by multiple news outlets, including The Associated Press, which cited Yahoo Sports reporting that Partridge "allegedly tried to cover up evidence."
Partridge's Defense and Career After Firing
Following his termination, Partridge took to social media to deny any knowledge of the scouting scheme, stating he was fired for failing to comply with the school's directive to avoid discussing the inquiry with "anyone associated with the program." He emphasized, "Additionally, at no point did I destroy any evidence related to the ongoing investigation." The lawsuit further clarifies that Partridge was told he was fired for advising a player to "get an attorney," despite being instructed not to communicate with athletes during the investigation. Partridge confirmed giving this advice but argued the football staff was never formally told to cease communication with players, which would have halted the program.
Partridge later served as outside linebackers coach for the Seattle Seahawks, contributing to their Super Bowl victory last month. His firing occurred just before Michigan secured the football national championship, and one day after, the school and the Big Ten Conference agreed that then-head coach Jim Harbaugh would serve the final two games of a three-game suspension in exchange for ending the conference's investigation into sign-stealing.
Legal Claims and Responses
The lawsuit portrays Partridge as a "scapegoat who was wrongly fired simply because he told a player he had the right to have counsel." It seeks damages to be determined at trial, along with efforts to clear Partridge's name and reputation. The University of Michigan did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press, and the Big Ten declined to comment on the lawsuit.
