Michigan ST coordinator Chris Partridge on Mattison, Washington joining Ohio State: 'It wasn't OK'
It may have been taboo for Greg Mattison and Al Washington to leave Michigan and join Ohio State’s coaching staff, but there’s continued to be a mutual respect between Jim Harbaugh and the guys that headed to Columbus.
Harbaugh has continued to speak highly of Mattison and Washington, understanding why they wanted other opportunities. Mattison and Washington still refer to Harbaugh as one of the best coaches in the game.
While the rivalry may be fierce, there’s still a mutual respect and understanding. Well, except for Michigan special teams coordinator and safeties coach Chris Partridge. The decisions from Mattison and Washington still rub him the wrong way.
“I got blood in my mouth,” Partridge said when asked about Michigan’s loss to Ohio State last year. “For me, the motivation is how last year ended. I don’t wake up a day and not think about it, that’s for sure.
“Those guys left, and it was another shot. It wasn’t OK. That’s just how I feel. I’m not speaking for anyone else.”
Chris Partridge: ‘I’ve got blood in my mouth … the guys who left (for Ohio State), that’s not OK.’
A bit fired up. pic.twitter.com/3HFMDfn69K
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) April 11, 2019
Mattison left Ann Arbor to be the defensive coordinator at Ohio State, a role he coveted. Washington, a Columbus native, also joined the staff and received a pay bump.
While some have gotten past those departures, it’s clear that Partridge took it personally. And he’s using it as motivation heading into the fall.