Michigan football brings back top recruiter Chris Partridge to coaching staff

Michigan football is getting one of their former assistants back in Ann Arbor.

Chris Partridge, a renowned and nationally recognized recruiter, has rejoined the Michigan staff for an undisclosed role, the program announced on Wednesday.

“Chris has been a trusted agent, known friend and ally since we started working together in 2015,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said in a released statement on Wednesday. “He is a phenomenal teacher and coach and will be a major asset to our team, program, and university community. We are so excited to have Chris, his wife, Marissa, and daughters, Mia and Gianna, back in Ann Arbor and part of the Michigan Football family.”

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Partridge was on Harbaugh's first U-M staff in 2015, first as director of player personnel, then as special teams coordinator from 2016-19, a stint that included duties coaching the linebackers (2016-17) and safeties (2018-19).

During his first stint with Michigan, Partridge was named national recruiter of the year by Scout.com in 2016 and by 247 Sports in 2017. The former Paramus (New Jersey) Catholic head coach helped U-M recruit players such as Rashan Gary, Jabrill Peppers and Cesar Ruiz from that state.

Before the 2020 season, new Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin lured Partridge away from U-M as safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator.

“My family and I could not be more excited to be back in Ann Arbor,” Partridge said in a statement. “Michigan has always remained a huge part of us. I appreciate Coach Harbaugh for having continued trust and faith in me to help him with the championship brand of football he has established. I look forward to working with the staff to recruit, mentor and coach the incredible young men that make Michigan the best football program on and off the field in the world! Go Blue!”

It is not clear which coach Partridge is replacing on the staff.