Former University of Michigan quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss is facing 24 cybercrime charges, as announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office on March 20, 2025. These charges follow a significant investigation that began in January 2023, focusing on potential computer-access crimes within the university's football program. Weiss, 42, has been indicted on 14 counts of unauthorized access to computers and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft, revealing a disturbing pattern of alleged criminal activity spanning nearly eight years.
According to the indictment, Weiss hacked into student-athlete databases from over 100 colleges, purportedly downloading personally identifiable information (PII) and medical data of more than 150,000 athletes. Evidence suggests that Weiss specifically targeted female student-athletes, utilizing personal characteristics such as school affiliation and athletic history to identify his victims. This calculated approach led him to illegally access the social media, email, and cloud storage accounts of more than 2,000 student-athletes, in addition to the accounts of over 1,300 other individuals.
The details of Weiss's actions are startling. Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck stated, "Our office will move aggressively to prosecute computer hacking to protect the private accounts of our citizens." Federal officials noted that Weiss's goal was to obtain private photographs and videos of these women, which were never meant for public sharing. The indictment outlines his methods, revealing that he often returned to certain accounts over time to acquire more intimate content, and kept notes on the individuals he was targeting, including comments on their physical appearance and personal preferences.
Weiss’s professional background includes a tenure with the Michigan Wolverines, where he served as quarterbacks coach in 2021 and was promoted to co-offensive coordinator in 2022 under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Before his time at Michigan, Weiss spent twelve seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, which further solidified his reputation in the coaching realm. However, the university’s investigation into Weiss began after suspicious computer activity was reported at Schembechler Hall, prompting his suspension and eventual firing in January 2023.
FBI Special Agent Cheyvoryea Gibson highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to the indictment, stating, "Today’s indictment of Matthew Weiss underscores the commitment and meticulous investigative efforts of our law enforcement professionals." The investigation was a joint effort between the FBI Detroit Cyber Task Force and the University of Michigan Police Department. Their work included tracing Weiss's unauthorized access to third-party databases maintained by Keffer Development Services, a Pennsylvania-based firm.
The allegations against Weiss are grave. He is accused of breaking into secure databases using compromised passwords belonging to individuals such as trainers and athletic directors, thereby accessing the confidential records of countless student-athletes. “We stand ready with our law enforcement partners to bring those who illegally invade the privacy of others to justice,” Beck stated emphatically.
The consequences Weiss faces, should he be convicted, are severe. He could spend up to five years in prison for each count of unauthorized access and two years for each count of aggravated identity theft, with a mandatory minimum sentence attached to the latter. Weiss’s alleged crimes highlight a worrisome trend in cyber-crime, particularly concerning the privacy of individuals targeted for personal content.
Legal experts indicate that such cases, particularly involving high-profile figures and institutions, are becoming increasingly prevalent as technology evolves. The FBI's commitment to prosecuting these offenses signals a broader effort to protect the identities and privacy of vulnerable populations, such as student-athletes.
Weiss's legal issues emerged publicly in January 2023 when he was placed on administrative leave amid the investigation. Since then, he has remained silent about the charges, with his attorney unavailable for immediate comment. The University of Michigan has not issued further statements, directing inquiries to the FBI concerning ongoing investigations and procedures related to Weiss’s case.
Given the seriousness of the charges and the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) potential implications, many question how this incident might influence conversations surrounding campus safety and the protection of student privacy. Weiss's case is poised to spark discussions about the responsibilities of educational institutions regarding cybersecurity and data protection, especially concerning their student-athletes.
The fallout from the Weiss investigation raises not only legal questions but also ethical considerations within college athletics, provoking critical conversations about the balance between technological advancement and individual rights. As the case unfolds, it remains a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with the digital age, particularly for those in positions of trust.
As this story develops, Weiss's alleged actions will likely serve as a foundational case study in understanding the impact of cybercrime across various sectors, demanding greater vigilance and proactive measures from institutions tasked with safeguarding personal information.
In light of these allegations, educational institutions across the nation may find themselves reassessing their cybersecurity measures and the protocols in place to protect their students' sensitive information. The Weiss case underscores the risks inherent in our interconnected world and sets a precedent for how such incidents may be handled in the future.
