The FBI has been working with the University of Michigan for “months” to aid with an investigation into former university employee Matt Weiss for alleged computer access crimes, the university police department told the Detroit Free Press and other outlets Thursday.
Weiss was the Wolverines’ co-offensive coordinator in 2022 and had just completed his second season on Michigan’s staff when he was fired Jan. 20.
“Currently, the investigation is extensive, ongoing, and is of the utmost priority,” the university police department said in a statement. “Additional information will be provided when available.”
Weiss has not been arrested, and further details about the alleged crimes were not made public.
Weiss’ case is unrelated to the more recent Michigan football sign-stealing scandal, according to university deputy chief of police Melissa Overton.
Michigan had placed Weiss on leave Jan. 17 and requested he meet with officials on Jan. 19 to discuss the alleged wrongdoing. Weiss did not show, according to a termination letter released via public records request.
“Because you did not attend this meeting and offer any additional information, we are making our decision based on the evidence that we have,” executive associate athletic director Doug Gnodtke wrote in the letter. “Based on the evidence it appears that you have inappropriately accessed the computer accounts of other individuals in violation of SPG 601.07. As a result, your appointment has been terminated with cause.”
The code Gnodtke cited asks members of the campus community “to be good stewards of the university’s information resources and data, and use them in a safe, responsible, ethical and legal manner.”
The Detroit News and ESPN previously reported that Weiss’ home in Ann Arbor was searched by police on Jan. 10. Police also investigated Schembechler Hall, the home base of the Wolverines’ football program on campus.
–Field Level Media