Father of On300 Michigan LB commit Cole Sullivan speaks on release of Chris Partridge, visit for The Game
The immediate reaction of Roger Sullivan, the father of On300 Michigan linebacker commit Cole Sullivan, and the rest of the family two weeks ago when news broke that linebackers coach Chris Partridge was released was shock.
“It was surprising,” Roger told The Wolverine. “It was like getting hit from a million directions from a lot of different folks and media, so it was definitely surprising. Disappointing at the same time.”
There was a period in the aftermath of having to talk through the situation at hand for the family. After all, Partridge was the leading figure on U-M’s coaching staff to land a commitment from Sullivan this past May, so the decision was made to sit down and figure out everything.
“Certainly, Cole has established a relationship with Coach Partridge and they talked often,” Roger said. “The people were a big part of why Cole committed to Michigan and (Partridge) was certainly a part of it. The discussions just kind of centered around there. Cole is in love with Michigan and it’s where he wants to be. It was a kind of wait-and-see initially from that point. Waiting to see what’s going on, who’s going to contact us, so on and so forth.”
Contact was made swiftly by defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who also played a significant role in securing Sullivan’s services. The family also heard from interim linebackers coach Rick Minter, the father of Jesse, and the pair were clear in reminding the four-star senior how important he is to the 2024 recruiting class.
“Coach Minter contacted Cole right away. Actually, both Minters, I should say,” Roger said. “That was a good thing. It was to reinforce how they felt about Cole and they still really, really want him. They explained what their plans are with Cole and where they see him fitting in defensively. It really felt like things were going to work out and this is still the place for Cole to be.”
For his son to get those phone calls was precisely what the elder Sullivan wanted to have happened.
“It was the right thing,” Roger said. “You kind of got the feeling that it was needed. More importantly, it felt like the right thing for them to do and it was important for Cole, which was also important for us.
“They said they’re going to find the best linebackers coach available. It’s Michigan and the bar is going to set high.”
Michigan announced the firing of Partridge less than 24 hours before the team’s road finale against Maryland. In replacement was Rick, who joined the Wolverines in 2022 as a defensive analyst.
“He’s very poised and very knowledgeable with the game, obviously,” Roger said. “He seemed extremely confident and comfortable stepping into that role to help out. He talked to us about being in the booth to see things on the field and communicate with Jesse. He seemed very calm, comfortable and confident about helping out the team in that manner.”
Cole, Roger and Roger’s father got to be with the Minters in person last weekend on their return to Ann Arbor for The Game. In the five games Michigan has hosted recruits this season, Cole has been each, with different relatives tagging along.
When the family arrived at their assigned table at the Junge Family Champion Center, where all visiting recruits meet before walking down the tunnel for warmups, scores of U-M coaches made sure to issue greetings.
“We saw a lot of them and a lot stopped by to see us,” Roger said. “Both Minters, Coach (Steve) Clink(scale), Coach (Grant) Newsome, Coach (Kirk) Campbell, they stopped by the table to say hello. Afterward, we got to see Coach (Ben) Herb(ert), who’s another huge piece. Maybe the biggest piece, to be honest with you. That’s huge with the rapport that’s already there between Cole and Coach Herb. He can’t wait to get to work with him.”
Every true linebacker commit this cycle was at The Big House on Saturday, so the Sullivans got to make conversation with four-star Jeremiah Beasley, On300 Jaden Smith, three-star Zach Ludwig and their respective inner circles.
Seeing Michigan’s third consecutive win over Ohio Stater in an environment that’s made every member of the Sullivan family garner a sense of comfort reflected why Cole pledged to the two-time defending Big Ten Champions in the first place.
“The situation is what it is,” Roger said. “But the people there have made Cole feel very welcomed. It’s prevalent to me that they want him there. They talk about the potential of him playing multiple positions, depending on his body maturity and all that. It’s exciting, right? Then, to be there on such a big weekend. There were a ton of people, but they took the time to stop by and greet us. Not just the coaches, but the recruiting staff. Cole has been to every single home game, so I felt like they enjoyed seeing Cole again and really showing him that they knew him. Not just because he’s a name on a card or just a commit, but they’ve gotten to know him because he’s been there so much. It was comforting and it felt like a family. I can tell that Cole feels right at home. That’s the feeling and vibe I got. It’s a good feeling.”
With four weeks remaining until the early signing period on December 20, the intention of where Cole will spend the next chapter of his football career hasn’t changed.
“Cole plans on signing at the early signing period here,” Roger said. “It’s no secret that his door is being knocked on quite a bit, but he hasn’t wavered from Michigan.”
At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Sullivan is ranked as the No. 184 overall prospect and No. 11 linebacker in the country, according to On3. He’s also the No. 5 player in Pittsburgh.
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