Former Michigan football assistant coach Chris Partridge has filed a lawsuit against the University of Michigan, its board of regents, and athletic director Warde Manuel, alleging he was wrongfully terminated during the program's 2023 sign-stealing scandal.

Partridge claims in his lawsuit that he was made a "scapegoat" when the university fired him amid the investigation into an elaborate sign-stealing operation that rocked the program during its championship season. The scandal centered on allegations that Michigan staff members illegally scouted future opponents in person to steal their signs.

The former assistant coach's legal action targets multiple university officials and entities, suggesting he believes his termination was unjustified and that he was unfairly blamed for the program's violations. The lawsuit comes more than a year after the sign-stealing scandal dominated headlines during Michigan's run to the College Football Playoff national championship.

The sign-stealing investigation led to multiple coaching changes within the Michigan program and drew significant NCAA scrutiny. The scandal involved allegations that staff members attended games of future opponents to illegally gather intelligence on their sideline communications.

The university has not yet publicly responded to Partridge's lawsuit. The case represents ongoing fallout from one of college football's most prominent recent scandals, which cast a shadow over Michigan's successful 2023 season despite the team's on-field achievements.