Fired Wolverines coach alleges scapegoating in wrongful termination suit, seeking damages for reputation and career. NCAA exoneration fuels his fight.
The University of Michigan’s athletic department, long a bastion of collegiate tradition, has recently found itself entangled in a series of high-profile legal battles. On March 11, 2026, former assistant coach Chris Partridge filed a significant wrongful termination lawsuit against the university, its Board of Trustees, and Athletic Director Warde Manuel. This legal action serves as a flashpoint for a broader period of turbulence in Ann Arbor, joining other litigation involving former staff and players that collectively challenge the university’s handling of internal scandals and player rights.
The Chris Partridge Lawsuit: A Fight for Reputation
Chris Partridge, who served as the Wolverines' linebackers coach, was fired in November 2023 during the height of the "sign-stealing" investigation involving staffer Connor Stalions. At the time, the university suggested Partridge was terminated for failing to abide by a directive not to discuss the investigation. Reports circulated that he had allegedly destroyed evidence or coached a player to be "less than forthright" with NCAA investigators.
However, Partridge’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, paints a starkly different picture. He alleges that he was used as a "scapegoat" to appease Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti and halt further immediate sanctions against the program.
Key Allegations in the Suit:
• The NCAA Exoneration: Partridge points to the August 2025 NCAA Committee on Infractions report, which largely cleared him of any involvement in the scouting scheme. The committee noted that the record did not demonstrate he had destroyed evidence or knowingly participated in the scandal.
• The "Hasty Decision": The lawsuit claims that Warde Manuel admitted to the NCAA that he was under "immense pressure" and made "hasty decisions" when firing Partridge.
• A Professional Obstacle: Now an assistant with the Seattle Seahawks, Partridge argues that the "unjust firing" and the resulting "cloud of scandal" have made it impossible for him to achieve his ultimate goal of becoming a college head coach. He is seeking compensation for lost wages and damages to his professional reputation.
Broader Legal Turbulence: The "Culture Review"
The Partridge lawsuit arrives as the university continues to reel from the firing of Sherrone Moore. Moore, who succeeded Jim Harbaugh and led the team for two seasons, was terminated "with cause" on December 10, 2025, following allegations of an inappropriate relationship and subsequent legal issues.
While Moore’s case is separate, Partridge’s legal team argues that the university’s disciplinary actions have been inconsistent. The lawsuit suggests that Partridge was fired immediately based on uncorroborated information, while other staff members involved in investigations were retained for much longer periods. This perceived "double standard" forms a core part of his argument regarding wrongful termination.
Related Litigation: Data Breaches and NIL
Partridge's suit is just one piece of a growing legal puzzle for Michigan. Other major cases include:
1. The Matt Weiss Hacking Case: Former co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss was indicted in 2025 on federal charges related to hacking student-athlete accounts. This led to a massive class-action lawsuit against the university, with victims alleging Michigan failed to protect private data and intimate photos.
2. NIL Lawsuits: In late 2024, former stars like Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards filed a $50 million class-action lawsuit regarding the retrospective use of their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). While an initial dismissal occurred in late 2025, the litigation highlighted a trend of former affiliates seeking restitution for past grievances.
For the University of Michigan, these lawsuits represent a sustained challenge to the "Michigan Man" brand of integrity. The Chris Partridge suit, in particular, suggests that in its rush to protect the football program’s 2023 championship run, the administration may have sacrificed the due process rights of its employees.
As these cases move through the federal court system, they will likely force a public reckoning regarding how much oversight an athletic director must provide and the legal limits of "terminating with cause" in the high-stakes world of Power Four football.