The University of Michigan fired assistant football coach Matt Weiss in January after he failed to attend a meeting to discuss whether he had gained access to computer accounts belonging to other people, according to documents released by the school.
As reported by Ed White of The Associated Press, an athletic department official told Weiss, who served as co-offensive coordinator, that the university had evidence that he had “inappropriately accessed” the accounts.
Related: Michigan Fires Co-Offensive Coordinator Weiss Days Into Computer Access Probe
“Because you did not attend this meeting and offer any additional information, we are making our decision based on the evidence that we have. ... Your appointment has been terminated with cause,” executive associate athletic director Doug Gnodtke said in a Jan. 20 letter released Monday in response to a public records request by The Associated Press.
The university declined to release evidence that it had shared with Weiss on Jan. 19, citing various exemptions under state law.
Campus police in January acknowledged an investigation of possible computer crimes at the Schembechler Hall football building. The investigation is ongoing, deputy chief Melissa Overton said.
When Michigan announced Weiss' firing, athletic director Warde Manuel said only that it was related to a “review of university policies.”
Weiss was on coach Jim Harbaugh's staff for two seasons after working for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens. Gnodtke promised to have any personal items in Weiss' office shipped to him.
The AP could not reach Weiss for comment Monday. “I look forward to putting this matter behind me and returning my focus to the game that I love," he said at the time of his termination.
