Chargers' Jim Harbaugh Disturbed by Hacking Allegations Against Former Michigan Assistant Coach
Sarah Johnson
April 2, 2025
Brief
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh reacts with shock to former Michigan assistant Matt Weiss’s federal indictment for allegedly stealing intimate photos of athletes, raising concerns over privacy and university oversight.
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh expressed his shock and dismay over allegations that his former assistant coach at Michigan, Matt Weiss, engaged in a years-long scheme to steal "intimate" photos and videos of athletes, primarily targeting women.
Speaking at the NFL’s annual spring meeting on Monday, Harbaugh described his reaction to the 24-count federal indictment against Weiss: "Just shocked, completely shocked. Disturbed." The remarks were shared in a video released by the team.
Harbaugh revealed that the allegations surfaced after Michigan's loss to TCU in the College Football Playoff semifinals, saying, "It was after the TCU game that I found out, we found out, that there was allegations. And you said it. I mean, indictment, that's not a word that — sympathy for the victims and for Matt's family. It’s shocking."
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan announced the indictment earlier this month. Weiss, 42, allegedly gained unauthorized access to athlete databases from over 100 colleges and universities, downloading personal information and intimate digital content of more than 150,000 athletes. Prosecutors stated that Weiss primarily targeted women, using the stolen data to access private photographs and videos.
The alleged crimes span from 2015 to January 2023. Weiss was fired by the University of Michigan in 2023 for failing to cooperate with an internal investigation. He pleaded not guilty to the charges on Monday.
Adding to the fallout, a class-action lawsuit was filed last week on behalf of several current and former students, accusing the university of failing to properly supervise Weiss. The lawsuit claims this lack of oversight led to the invasion of privacy for thousands of individuals.
The case has sent shockwaves through the sports world, particularly at Michigan, where Weiss once served as co-offensive coordinator under Harbaugh. The allegations not only tarnish Weiss's reputation but also raise serious questions about institutional accountability and data security.
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Editor's Comments
This story is a gut punch on so many levels. It's not just about the betrayal of trust by someone in a position of authority; it's about the systemic failure to spot and stop it sooner. How does someone allegedly operate like this for nearly eight years without being caught? Harbaugh's shock is relatable, but the real issue is how athletes—already under immense pressure—are left so vulnerable in the digital age. Institutions need to do better, period.
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