The University of Michigan Wolverines football team was thrown into turmoil just days before their game against the Maryland Terrapins. Head coach Jim Harbaugh made the surprise announcement that he had dismissed offensive coordinator Al Partridge. The move came as a shock to many, as Partridge had been with the Wolverines since Harbaugh’s arrival in 2015.
Partridge had been a key part of the Wolverines’ success over the past five years, helping the team to three Big Ten championships and four bowl appearances. His offensive strategy was credited with helping the team to one of its best seasons ever in 2016, when they went 10-3 and won the Citrus Bowl.
The timing of the dismissal was especially perplexing, as it came just days before the Wolverines were set to take on Maryland. It left the team scrambling to make adjustments to their offensive game plan, and left many questioning Harbaugh’s decision.
It is unclear why Harbaugh chose to make this move at this time, as he has not released any statement on the matter. Some speculate that Partridge’s dismissal was due to a disagreement between the two over offensive strategy, while others believe that Harbaugh simply wanted to shake things up before the Maryland game.
Whatever the reason, Partridge’s dismissal has caused a great deal of disruption for the Wolverines. It remains to be seen how the team will adjust and if they will be able to put together a successful game plan against Maryland. The Wolverines will certainly have their work cut out for them, but with Harbaugh at the helm, anything is possible.
