Michigan fired assistant football coach Matt Weiss in January after discovering evidence that he had “inappropriately accessed” computer accounts belonging to other people. The incident drew police attention, and Weiss remains under investigation for alleged “computer access crimes” between December 21-23, 2022.

According to a letter from associate athletic director Doug Gnodtke, the evidence against Weiss warranted his immediate dismissal from the university. The University launched its own investigation into the breach of the policy prior to suspending Matt Weiss on January 10.

Evidence against Matt Weiss cited as reason for termination

Weiss was informed of a meeting on January 19 to discuss the evidence against him, but he failed to attend, according to documents released by the university. In the Jan. 20 memo, Gnodtke stated that Weiss’ failure to attend the meeting, along with the evidence against him, led to his termination. Gnodtke also promised to have any personal items in Weiss’ office shipped to him.

Weiss, who had been on coach Jim Harbaugh’s staff for two seasons, including one as co-offensive coordinator, was promoted in 2022 and given a three-year contract with a base salary of $850,000 per year, along with large incentive bonuses. Weiss collected an additional $400,000 in bonuses following Michigan’s successful 2022 season.

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel announced Weiss’ firing later that day in a statement, citing a “review of university policies.” Weiss has not been charged with a crime, and he remains under investigation by university police.

University Declines to Release Evidence

The university declined to release the evidence it had shared with Weiss on Jan. 19, citing various exemptions under state law. The university’s Standard Practice Guide on information technology states that “Members of the university community are expected to be good stewards of the university’s information resources and data, and use them in a safe, responsible, ethical, and legal manner.”

Weiss has not commented on the allegations, but he issued a short statement on social media on Jan. 20, saying. “I have nothing but respect for the University of Michigan and the people who make it such a great place. I look forward to putting this matter behind me and returning my focus to the game that I love.”

Despite praise for his football acumen and high IQ, Weiss’ coaching at Michigan has effectively ended. On January 27, Michigan elevated Kirk Campbell from his off-the-field analyst role to quarterbacks coach, replacing Weiss.

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