Story perspectives

Former Michigan Coach Sues Over Sign-Stealing Scandal

3/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Chris Partridge, a former assistant football coach at the University of Michigan, is suing the university, its board of trustees, and athletic director Warde Manuel after his dismissal related to the 2023 sign-stealing scandal.
Partridge asserts he was unfairly made a "scapegoat" despite being cleared of any wrongdoing by the NCAA.
He claims Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti provided Manuel with unverified information about advising a player to mislead NCAA investigators.
Partridge seeks compensation for lost wages and reputational damages while expressing his desire to return to college coaching.

History

Historical Context

The University of Miami faced severe NCAA sanctions in 1986 due to over 100 violations, including scholarship losses and postseason bans, reflecting ongoing scrutiny in college athletics. This history resonates with Chris Partridge's 2023 lawsuit against the University of Michigan, alleging wrongful dismissal amid the sign-stealing scandal, highlighting the enduring impact of such controversies on college sports governance and reputations.

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Story summary

Chris Partridge, a former assistant football coach at the University of Michigan, is suing the university, its board of trustees, and athletic director Warde Manuel after his dismissal related to the 2023 sign-stealing scandal.
Partridge asserts he was unfairly made a "scapegoat" despite being cleared of any wrongdoing by the NCAA.
He claims Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti provided Manuel with unverified information about advising a player to mislead NCAA investigators.
Partridge seeks compensation for lost wages and reputational damages while expressing his desire to return to college coaching.

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