Charlie Partridge, the co-defensive coordinator at Pittsburgh, is departing to take up a new role with the Colts. Pat Narduzzi has given his reaction to this development.

The revolving door of college football coaching changes continues in the 2023-24 season. Pittsburgh’s defensive line coach, Charlie Partridge, is making a move to join the Indianapolis Colts in the same capacity, confirmed by head coach Pat Narduzzi via social media on Monday. Partridge, who previously coached various position groups during his initial tenure with the Panthers from 2003 to 2007, returned to the program in 2017 as the defensive line coach and later ascended to the role of co-defensive coordinator in 2018.

In response to Partridge’s departure, Narduzzi expressed gratitude for his significant contributions to the program’s growth over the past seven years. Narduzzi highlighted Partridge’s instrumental role in elevating the team, praising his impact both on and off the field. Narduzzi also personally acknowledged Partridge’s support, describing him as a valued confidant, advisor, and friend. He wished Partridge and his family the best as they embark on this new chapter, emphasizing that the NFL is gaining not only an exceptional coach but also an outstanding individual.

Since Narduzzi brought back Partridge in 2017, Pitt’s defensive lines have consistently ranked among the nation’s elite. The Panthers boasted top-5 national rankings in sacks each year from 2019 to 2022, and they totaled 30.5 sacks in the most recent season. Notably, their 2020 defense featured what could be argued as the country’s best defensive end duo in Patrick Jones II and Rashad Weaver. Both players received consensus All-America honors, marking the first time since 1977 that Pitt had two defensive players earn such recognition in the same season.

Following the announcement of Partridge’s departure, radio personality Mike J. Asti voiced his opinion on social media, emphasizing the significance of the loss for the Panthers program. While acknowledging that Partridge’s move to the NFL aligns with his career trajectory, Asti highlighted the impact it could have on Pitt, particularly at a crucial juncture where the program aims to rejuvenate itself.

Under Partridge’s guidance, Calijah Kancey flourished, becoming a unanimous All-America selection and earning the ACC Defensive Player of the Year title in 2022. Kancey’s stellar performance led him to top the nation’s interior defenders with 14.5 tackles for loss. Notably, he stood out as the sole player nationwide to be named a finalist for both the prestigious Outland Trophy, recognizing the nation’s best interior lineman, and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to the national defensive player of the year.

Before returning to Pittsburgh for his second stint, Partridge served as the head coach at Florida Atlantic for three seasons. During his tenure, he orchestrated the signing of three highly regarded recruiting classes, which were among the finest in FAU history. Additionally, under his leadership, 10 of his players went on to sign contracts with NFL teams. Despite achieving new heights in individual academic excellence and attaining the highest team grade point average in program history, the football team failed to make significant progress on the field. Following a series of disappointing seasons, with the team finishing 3-9 each year, FAU parted ways with Partridge, culminating in an overall record of 9-27 during his tenure.