Michigan filled its final coaching staff vacancy Thursday just in time to begin the final push before national signing day. New linebackers coach Chris Partridge is a familiar face who could prove to be a big asset on the recruiting trail this month.
Partridge is beginning his second year with the Michigan staff after coming to Ann Arbor last January to be the program’s director of player personnel. Partridge filled in as an interim assistant during bowl season, when defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin left to become the head coach at Maryland. Harbaugh raved about Partridge’s demeanor on the field before the Wolverines' 41-7 win over Florida in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl and said he’d like to find him a permanent position on the staff.