Michigan has fired an assistant coach, the program announced Friday.

Linebackers coach Chris Partridge has been fired, Adam Rittenberg reported Friday. There was no reason given. Partridge was in his fifth season at the helm for Michigan, serving in his second tenure with the Wolverines. He served as the Wolverines’ special teams coordinator from 2016 to 2019. He served as Ole Miss’ co-defensive coordinator from 2020 to 2022 before returning to Michigan ahead of the 2023 season.

Rick Minter, Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s father, will serve as linebackers coach moving forward.

“Effective today, Chris Partridge has been relieved of his duties as a member of the Michigan Football staff,” Michigan athletics director Warde Manuel said in a statement. “Rick Minter will serve as the team’s linebackers coach.”

The firing comes amidst an investigation into Michigan’s program for sign stealing. Jim Harbaugh is currently serving a 3-game suspension, missing last week’s game against Penn State and missing the final 2 games against Maryland and Ohio State.