Michigan assigns titles to Sherrone Moore, Chris Partridge
As we previously reported, Sherrone Moore will be the lone Michigan offensive coordinator this fall … and now it’s official. The school announced it in a tweet today, in addition to naming Chris Partridge the program’s linebacker’s coach.
RELATED: Michigan and George Helow officially part ways
RELATED: Veterans say 2022 class should ensure several more good years for Michigan football
Moore will remain the team’s offensive line coach, as well, after leading the last two groups to great success. They’ve captured the Joe Moore Award the last two seasons, given to the nation’s top offensive line.
Fox analyst Joel Klatt offered his support for Moore after co-coordinator Matt Weiss was let go last month.
“Sherrone Moore, the other offensive coordinator, really was the guy that should have had the reins as the play caller all the way,” he said on one of his podcasts recently. “To be honest with you, probably did most of the time as we got into the back half of the season.
“Sherrone Moore is an absolute superstar. I think he’s one of the best young coaches in all of college football. I know who he cut his teeth under; I know he learned the game incredibly well. He’s very bright. I enjoy my conversations with him. As far as the offense goes, I just don’t sense they are going to miss a beat because they are missing Matt Weiss.”
Partridge, meanwhile, had great success at Michigan under Harbaugh before leaving for Ole Miss. He became co-defensive coordinator there and remained an outstanding recruiter, just as he was at U-M. He was also heavily involved in the Wolverines’ special teams, coordinating them and sharing that duty with Jay Harbaugh.
We expect he’ll have a hand in that again, as well. Michigan’s special teams have been elite for most of Jim Harbaugh’s tenure.
Partridge will replace George Helow, who is pursuing other opportunities.
“Chris has been a trusted agent, known friend and ally since we started working together in 2015,” Harbaugh said in a release. “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.”
Partridge, who was coaching safeties at Michigan when he left, helped lead a defensive unit that ranked among the nation’s best during his first stint on the U-M staff. The Wolverines ranked first or second nationally in pass defense in each of his four seasons and helped make the defense one of the stoutest third-down units in the country over that span.
“My family and I could not be more excited to be back in Ann Arbor,” Partridge said. “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!”
Helow, meanwhile, gave a heartfelt goodbye to Michigan fans.
“Thank you Coach Harbaugh, Warde Manuel, the coaching staff and administration. I want to especially thank the players who made coming to work every day special!” he said on social media. “You are truly amazing young men. We accomplished great things together, making the CFP twice and winning back-to-back Big Ten titles. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the University of Michigan.
“These past two seasons have been an honor and an amazing experience, but it is time to explore new opportunities in my career. Thanks to everyone who supports Michigan. God bless and Go Blue!”
