December 10th, 2025 2:00pm
From NWOSU sports information:
ALVA, Okla. – Northwestern Oklahoma State University Vice President of Athletics Brad Franz has announced the hiring of Jerry Partridge as the next head football coach.
"I am excited to become the next Head Football Coach of Ranger football. As a coach, there are some very important factors in deciding where to coach," Partridge said. "First of all, a community and campus that loves and supports athletics and the student athletes. There is an overwhelming vibe that is the case in Alva. Secondly, it is imperative that a strong administration exists. Bo Hannaford and Brad Franz are as strong of a duo that any university can have. Under their leadership and support, success is just around the corner. We hope to be competitive fast and leave a mark quickly. Ride, Rangers, Ride, and we are ready to get to work."
Partridge has been on multiple coaching staffs at the NCAA DI and DII levels, and spent the last three seasons as the Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at University of Tennessee at Martin. Prior to that, he spent time as a Defensive Coordinator for Delta State and Northern Arizona University between 2017 and 2022.
Partridge made his head coaching debut at NCAA Division II Missouri Western State University where he coached from 1997-2016. During his stint he compiled a school best 149-83 record, and led his team to two conference championships, six bowl game appearances and four NCAA playoff appearances.
"We are very excited about Jerry and Pam joining the Ranger family. I believe our fans and our team will see the impact he and his staff will have on our team and this program," said Northwestern Oklahoma State President Dr. Bo Hannaford. "He is a proven winner and he brings with him extensive experience from DI and DII."
As the assistant head coach and Defensive coordinator at NCAA Division I the University of Tennessee at Martin, he helped lead the Skyhawks to multiple OVC-Big South championships, and two FCS top 25 finishes. They were also an FCS playoff qualifier and made It to the second round during his time.
"We are very excited to hire Jerry Partridge to lead Ranger Football. He has produced record-setting results and winning throughout his entire career," said Vice President for Athletics Brad Franz." "Jerry is known nationally for his player development and the ability to develop tough competitive teams as a head coach and defensive coordinator. He really believes in player development, academic achievement and developing stand out young men and football players. In our conversations, it was clear to me he understands what it takes to be a head coach and win consistently at the Division II level, as well as today's football environment having been at all levels of the NCAA. I am confident that he will develop Ranger football into a consistent winner."
Partridge began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Missouri from 1986-87. From there he joined the University of Notre Dame staff as a graduate assistant. He went on to hold defensive coordinator and defensive back coach positions at multiple schools from 1990 to 1996.
Partridge Career Highlights:
Inducted into the MWSU Hall of Fame, 2011
2 MIAA Coach of the Year awards
6 Bowl game appearances
2017 NCAA playoff participant
National Champions 1988 – Notre Dame