Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts have filled their biggest coaching vacancy of the offseason.  

Sources have confirmed that the Colts are hiring University of Pittsburgh Assistant head coach Charlie Partridge as their new defensive line coach. FootballScoop was the first to report the hire. 

Get to know Charlie Partridge: 

Partridge is coming off his second stint with Pitt and his 12th season overall with the program. He held the title of assistant head coach and defensive line coach with Pitt and is widely viewed as one of college football's best defensive line coaches. His extensive coaching history in the college ranks has earned him that reputation. 

Coaching History: 

  • 2002: Eastern Illinois DL Coach
  • 2003-2005: Pittsburgh DE Coach
  • 2006: Pittsburgh DL & ST Coach
  • 2007: Pittsburgh LB & ST Coach
  • 2008-2010: Wisconsin DL & ST Coach
  • 2011-2012: Wisconsin Ast Head Coach/Co-DC
  • 2013: Arkansas Ast Head Coach
  • 2014-2016: Florida Atlantic Head Coach 
  • 2017: Pittsburgh DL Coach
  • 2018-Present: Ast Head Coach & DL Coach

During his only stint as a head coach from 2014 to 2016, he could only win nine games, going 9-27 at FAU, and never led the team to a bowl game. But during that stint, he did send DE Trey Hendrickson to the NFL who was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. And he is wreaking havoc on offensive linemen with the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Notable NFL Players Coached By Partridge: 

  • J.J. Watt (Wisconsin 2009-2010)
  • Trey Flowers (Arkansas 2013) 
  • Deatrich Wise Jr. (Arkansas 2013)
  • Trey Hendrickson (FAU 2014-2016) 
  • Jaylen Twyman (Pitt 2018-2020)
  • Calijah Kancey (Pitt 2020-2022)

One league source shared their thoughts on the Colts hire by saying the following: 

"Partridge is the real deal! NFL teams have been trying to get him to the pro level for quite some time. He's viewed as one of the best defensive line coaches and minds in college football. Where he really excels as a coach is as a teacher of defensive line craft. Hes going to help multiple Colts players elevate their games to new heights. Home run hire for Shane Steichen."

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