ANN ARBOR - Former University of Michigan assistant football coach Chris Partridge filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against the university, its board of trustees and athletic director Warde Manuel. The lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of Michigan, alleges Partridge was wrongfully fired and made a “scapegoat” during the program’s 2023 sign-stealing scandal.
Partridge, 45, was terminated on Nov. 17, 2023, amid an investigation into an advanced scouting operation. Although he was fired for an alleged failure to cooperate, the NCAA Committee on Infractions cleared him of all wrongdoing in 2025. Partridge, who is currently the linebackers coach for the Seattle Seahawks, is seeking the recovery of lost wages and damages for the impact the firing had on his professional reputation, career prospects and personal health.
The 46-page complaint alleges that Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti presented Manuel with “uncorroborated, second-hand, inflammatory information” claiming Partridge had told a student-athlete to be dishonest with investigators. The lawsuit contends Petitti threatened to embarrass the university by revealing this information during a court hearing regarding a suspension for then-coach Jim Harbaugh. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Manuel offered to fire Partridge and drop legal claims against the Big Ten in exchange for Petitti keeping the information private and issuing a positive public statement.
The lawsuit states that a player approached Partridge for advice before an NCAA interview, and Partridge advised him to consult with his parents about getting a lawyer and to be honest with officials.
The lawsuit also alleges that Manuel later admitted to the NCAA committee that he was under “immense pressure” at the time of the firing and made “hasty decisions.” According to the complaint, Manuel approached Partridge after the hearing, shook his hand, and apologized for what the coach had experienced. Partridge’s legal team further argued that the immediate firing was inconsistent with how the university handled allegations against other staff members, including former head coach Sherrone Moore. Moore was dismissed in December for an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
The University of Michigan has hired the Chicago-based law firm Jenner & Block to conduct a review of the athletic department’s culture and procedures following a series of scandals. The firm is expected to share its findings this spring.