More turmoil for Michigan coaching staff as assistant coach is fired

The Michigan football program has more drama and turmoil to deal with this week as the school announced linebacker coach Chris Partridge has been fired. 

No reason for the dismissal was provided by the program.

It is a noteworthy decision because Michigan is undefeated and rolling toward another spot in the College Football Playoff, while the program is also under multiple NCAA investigations, including a sign-stealing scandal that resulted in the suspension of head coach Jim Harbaugh for the remainder of the regular season.

The sudden dismissal of Partridge, as well as Harbaugh being willing to accept his suspension without a fight, is going to lead to obvious speculation that this has something to do with the sign-stealing scandal that has rocked the program and the college football world. 

Initially Michigan was adamant that the sign-stealing was the result of a low-level staffer (Connor Stalions) acting on his own and that Harbaugh had no knowledge of his actions. 

Stalions is accused of purchasing tickets to games involving Michigan opponents for the purpose of identifying their signals. The NCAA has strict rules against in-person scouting of opponents during the regular season. Stalions was also believed to be seen standing on the sidelines of a Central Michigan-Michigan State game wearing Central Michigan gear.

Stalions has since resigned from his position with the program. 

Michigan is ranked No. 3 in the latest CFP poll (and No. 2 in the latest AP poll) with a 10-0 record. It has already won four games this season without having Harbaugh on the sidelines. He served a school-imposed three-game suspension to open the year for recruiting violations during the COVID season and was not on the sidelines for Saturday's win over Penn State as he served the first game of his latest suspension.

Michigan plays Maryland on Saturday before closing its regular season next week with a massive game against rival (and No. 2-ranked) Ohio State.