Michigan Football: Analyzing the expected hire of Chris Partridge
Michigan football is expected to hire Chris Partridge once again as an on-field assistant and here’s what that means for the Wolverines.
Over the weekend, there were rumblings that Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh was going to add Chris Partridge once again to the coaching staff.
This was news, not just because Partridge used to be part of the staff, but also because if he was hired in an on-field role, it would mean another Michigan football assistant is moving on.
Partridge has spent the past couple of seasons with Ole Miss and was the co-defensive coordinator. The former New Jersey high school coach was an ace recruiter for the Wolverines and also did a stellar job coaching the safeties.
Matt Zenitz of On3 is now reporting the hire is expected. It’s good news because Partridge is a solid defensive coach and has strong ties to the state of New Jersey. He’s also dynamic on the recruiting trail.
However, it must be asked, who’s leaving?
Who is leaving the Michigan football coaching staff?
Since Partridge has always coached on the defensive side of the ball, it has to be Mike Elston, George Helow, Jesse Minter, or Steve Clinkscale.
All of those guys have done a great job. Clink is the co-DC and I don’t see him going anywhere. The same goes for Minter, who is the play caller for the defense, or Elston for that matter, who is a former Michigan football player.
Helow is the guy that seems like the odd man out. It’s probable he’s leaving for another job and with the Miami DC job coming open, I’m wondering if he winds up in South Florida.
Helow has ties to South Florida and at some point, he’s going to want to be a defensive coordinator. If he’s got the chance to do that or become a co-defensive coordinator, that would be hard to pass up.
That’s total speculation on my part. But the timing of it would all make sense. Partridge has coached safeties and linebackers during his time, so he would be an ideal fit.
His addition would also give Michigan football an in with New Jersey recruits, which has been missing. So as far as my instant analyst: Partridge and the departure would be a win-win.
Next. 3 takeaways from win over OSU. dark
As long as I have overlooked something. But my guess is that Partridge is in and Helow is out.