A shocking case has rocked the sports landscape after an NFL coach was revealed to have been sued for being part of an alarming scandal.
The lawsuit exposes how a Michigan assistant coach hacked thousands of college athletes’ accounts while university officials looked the other way.
Former Michigan head coach and current Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh was added to the expanding case against the University of Michigan and former assistant coach Matt Weiss.
The legal action centers on shocking allegations that Weiss systematically hacked into the computer accounts of college athletes across the country to hunt for intimate photos.
Weiss did so while university officials, including Harbaugh, knew about the misconduct but did nothing to stop it before a crucial playoff game.
Weiss is accused of targeting over 2,000 college athletes and more than 1,300 students or alumni during his hacking spree.
According to the lawsuit, a staff member reported seeing Weiss viewing private information on a university computer on December 21, 2022.
Instead of taking immediate action, Harbaugh and other Michigan officials allowed Weiss to continue working as co-offensive coordinator during Michigan’s College Football Playoff game against TCU on December 31.
This decision has outraged attorneys representing the victims, who argue university officials deliberately prioritized athletic success over student welfare and safety.
The scope of Weiss’ misconduct is staggering. Prosecutors have charged him with identity theft and unauthorized computer access spanning from 2015 to 2023.
A lawsuit against ex-Ravens and Michigan coach Matt Weiss has now added Jim Harbaugh, per the AP:
– Weiss is accused of accessing private info including intimate photos of 150,000 student athletes from over 100 schools.
– He faces 14 counts of unauthorized computer access and… pic.twitter.com/6fJyD5WABv
— Ravens Nation 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀 (@LIVERavenNation) June 30, 2025
He reportedly accessed databases from over 100 colleges, obtaining information on more than 150,000 student-athletes, and specifically targeting female athletes.
When investigators finally examined Weiss’ university computer, they discovered it contained encryption software that had been disabled, revealing thousands of intimate photos and videos that had been illegally obtained.
The amended class-action complaint now includes 11 women and names nearly 50 defendants, including Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel and former university president Santa Ono.
The lawsuit specifically criticizes Harbaugh’s leadership, stating: “Had Harbaugh implemented basic oversight of his staff, plaintiffs and the class would have been protected against predators such as Weiss.”
Harbaugh has attempted to distance himself from the scandal, claiming he was “shocked” and “completely disturbed” when asked about the allegations.
Weiss’ connections to the Harbaugh family run deep. Before joining Michigan’s staff in 2021, he worked for over a decade with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens under John Harbaugh, Jim’s brother.
This raises serious questions about whether Jim Harbaugh was aware of Weiss’ character before bringing him to Michigan.
Attorneys have suggested the litigation could potentially extend to the Ravens organization, depending on evidence of their knowledge or involvement in Weiss’ activities.
Weiss was eventually fired in January 2023 during a university investigation into his computer use, but critics argue this action came far too late. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The scandal represents yet another black eye for a university already reeling from multiple controversies, including a recent sign-stealing scandal that tainted their national championship season.
