College Football: Mike Haywood Out At Pitt, Chancellor Releases Statement

Mike Haywood won't get the chance to leave his mark on the Pitt Panthers football program. After his untimely and ill-advised arrest on domestic violence charges, the former MAC Coach of the Year has been relieved of his head coaching position at the University of Pittsburgh.

Chancellor Mark Nordenberg released the following statement:

"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.

We will immediately re-open our search for a head football coach, expanding the process to include a larger pool of candidates. Our goal is to move swiftly, but prudently, to find the right person to successfully lead the Pitt football program for what we hope will be an extended period of time."

Haywood has been released from jail on bond.

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• Mike Haywood Arrested For Domestic Violence In South Bend (sbnation.com)