Just 2 weeks after being named Dave Wannstedt’s replacement as the head coach at the University Of Pittsburgh, former Miami Of Ohio head coach Mike Haywood (above) has been fired before the end of winter break following a domestic violence charge in South Bend, IN. From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Bill Brink :
Pitt Chancellor Mark Nordenberg released the following statement this evening regarding Mike Haywood, who was named the new football coach last month:
“After careful consideration of recent events, the University of Pittsburgh has dismissed Michael Haywood as its head football coach, effective immediately. He was advised of that action this afternoon.
“To be clear, the University’s decision is not tied to any expectation with respect to the terms on which the legal proceeding now pending in Indiana might ultimately be concluded. Instead, it reflects a strong belief that moving forward with Mr. Haywood as our head coach is not possible under the existing circumstances.
“This is a matter of real regret for the many people at Pitt who had looked forward to working with him. However, head coaches are among the University’s most visible representatives and are expected to maintain high standards of personal conduct and to avoid situations that might reflect negatively on the University.”
In comments to a competing paper, Haywood called the legal charges against him, “unfair” and claimed he’d eventually be exonerated. His former employers obviously disagree, and any allusion to “existing circumstances” indicates they feel awful safe terminating Haywood before he’s been allowed due process.