Co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss was sacked by the University of Michigan amidst an investigation into possible computer crimes within the football team’s offices on campus.
The dismissal of Weiss was announced in a statement released by Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel on Friday afternoon.
“The athletic department has terminated the employment of co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Matt Weiss following a review of University regulations,” the statement stated. We shall have no further comment on this personnel situation in accordance with university policy.
Weiss, 39, commented via Twitter immediately after his dismissal was announced: “I am proud of the accomplishment we have accomplished over the past two seasons and appreciative to all of the Michigan players, coaches, and staff.” I have nothing but admiration for the University of Michigan and the individuals that make it such a wonderful institution. I am eager to put this problem behind me and restore my attention to the sport I like.”
Weiss was suspended with pay prior to being fired. Weiss’s contract stipulates that Michigan will stop paying him compensation on the day of his termination, “except to the extent already vested.” In 2022, Weiss earned a basic salary of $850,000 in addition to performance bonuses that brought his total compensation above $1 million.
The UM police department is now investigating allegations of computer crimes involving illegal access to email accounts in Schembechler Hall, where the football team’s headquarters are located.
The claim about email accounts was recorded in daily university police files on January 5, five days before sources informed The Detroit News that UM police officers investigated Weiss’ Ann Arbor house in the 2000 block of Norway Road. The sources, including an eyewitness, reported the presence of law enforcement officers and unmarked cars at the residence.
The News revealed Weiss’ suspension on Tuesday, one day after UM President Santa Ono declared that Harbaugh will return as football coach for the upcoming season despite recently interviewing with the Denver Broncos.
Friday, Birmingham criminal defence attorney Wade Fink told The News that Mr. Weiss’s statement, if vetted by attorneys, does not seem like someone who is concerned about being charged with a felony.
A UM employee notified police on January 5 that unauthorised access was made to university email accounts at Schembechler Hall, which contains the football team and football offices, including those of coach Jim Harbaugh and Weiss.
The log entry states, “Upon additional inquiry, it was determined that a crime may have been committed.”
Tuesday evening, The News reported that Weiss was suspended with pay from the institution. Shortly after UM police confirmed the inquiry to The News, this occurred. The News led UM Deputy Police Chief Crystal James to publish a statement on law enforcement searches conducted on January 10 at Weiss’ house in Ann Arbor and Schembechler Hall.
James’s statement said, “The University of Michigan Police Department is investigating a complaint of computer access offences that happened at Schembechler Hall between December 21 and December 23, 2022.” Due to the continuing nature of the inquiry, no more information is available.
Read Also: Brittany Snow Divorces Tyler Stanaland From the OC