Ad Disclosure
Obtained termination letter details firing of former Michigan assistant Matt Weiss
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Michigan alleges that former co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss’ “computer access crimes” involved inappropriately accessing others’ accounts, according to documents obtained by The Detroit News.
Wolverines beat reporter Angelique S. Chengelis shares information from Weiss’ Jan. 20 termination letter and a Jan. 19 memo which requested his presence at a meeting that he did not ultimately attend.
“Because you did not attend this meeting and offer any additional information, we are making our decision based on the evidence that we have,” Doug Gnodtke, executive associate athletic director and Chief of Staff for University of Michigan athletics, wrote in the termination 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.”
Michigan’s Standard Practice Guide policies code 601.07, covers UM’s information technology, per The News:
“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,” the policy reads in part.
Weiss’ actions beyond “inappropriate access” are not spelled out in the termination letter or memo. UM Deputy Police Chief Crystal James told The News on Jan.17 that the police department was investigating, “computer access crimes that occurred at Schembechler Hall during Dec. 21 through the 23rd of 2022.” It has also been noted that a U-M police log shows that on Jan. 5 an employee reported fraudulent activity regarding someone accessing university email accounts.
Michigan athletics announced Weiss’ firing shortly after the termination letter from U-M. Weiss released a statement on his Twitter account that day:
“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.”
A week after Weiss’ departure, Jim Harbaugh announced the promotion of Kirk Campbell from analyst to quarterbacks coach, filling the staff vacancy.
A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.