An indictment filed on Thursday alleges that Matt Weiss, a former NFL and University of Michigan assistant football coach, unlawfully accessed the computer accounts of numerous college athletes in search of private photos and videos. Weiss, who previously worked for the Baltimore Ravens before joining Michigan’s coaching staff in 2021, faces charges including unauthorized computer access and identity theft. The indictment was submitted in federal court in Detroit.
Weiss was terminated from his position as Michigan’s co-offensive coordinator in 2023 for failing to cooperate with the school’s investigation into his computer activities. His lawyer, Doug Mullkoff, did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.
According to the indictment, between 2015 and 2023, Weiss breached the databases of over 100 colleges and universities managed by a third-party provider, Keffer Development Services. He allegedly obtained personal details and medical records of more than 150,000 athletes. The document describes Weiss as adept with computers, noting that he circumvented password encryption with online research.
The indictment further claims that Weiss accessed the social media, email, and cloud storage accounts of over 2,000 athletes and 1,300 students or alumni from various institutions nationwide. It states that Weiss primarily targeted female college athletes, selecting them based on school affiliation, athletic background, and physical attributes with the intention of acquiring private images and videos.
Allegedly, Weiss saved notes on the media he obtained, making comments on individuals’ bodies and preferences, and at times revisiting accounts years later in search of new content. Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck emphasized the commitment to prosecuting computer hacking to safeguard citizens’ privacy.
Weiss, who previously served as an assistant coach with the Ravens, transitioned to Michigan to work under head coach Jim Harbaugh after his brother, John Harbaugh. The investigation into Weiss has been public knowledge for two years, culminating in a police search of his residence in January 2023. Weiss expressed willingness to cooperate during that period.
No information about Weiss’ initial court appearance on the charges has been provided at this time.
