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Football

University of Pittsburgh Sued by Former Football Coach Michael Haywood

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Pittsburgh-based attorney Tony Buzbee claims that University of Pittsburgh officials terminated former football coach Michael Haywood in January without adequate investigation, violating his contract and federal law. The lawsuit, filed in Pittsburgh federal court, states that Haywood was unfairly dismissed hours after a disputed domestic incident in South Bend, Indiana. The complaint also alleges that Pitt backed out of an agreement to buy out Haywood's coaching contract with Miami University of Ohio for $300,000. Haywood's attorneys seek at least $3.75 million in damages, including exemplary damages, attorneys' fees, and court costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The lawsuit alleges that University of Pittsburgh officials breached their contract with former football coach Michael Haywood and violated federal law when they terminated him in January.
  • Haywood was fired hours after a disputed domestic incident in South Bend, Indiana, without adequate investigation or an opportunity to refute allegations.
  • The lawsuit claims that Pitt officials backed out of an agreement to buy out Haywood's coaching contract with Miami University of Ohio for $300,000.
  • Haywood's contract with Pitt would have paid him up to $7.5 million, plus other incentives, over five years.
  • The lawsuit seeks at least $3.75 million in damages, including exemplary damages, attorneys' fees, and court costs.
  • Haywood's attorneys, Tony Buzbee and Christopher K. Johns, assert that Pitt officials ignored their contractual obligations and terminated Haywood in violation of his Constitutional rights.
  • Haywood claims that the allegations against him were initially false and that he acted to protect his son during a dispute with the child's mother.

Statistics:

  • Haywood's contract with Pitt would have paid him up to $7.5 million over five years.
  • The lawsuit seeks at least $3.75 million in damages.
  • Haywood was arrested January 1, 2011, after an alleged domestic incident in South Bend, Indiana.
  • The lawsuit claims that Pitt officials backed out of an agreement to buy out Haywood's coaching contract with Miami University of Ohio for $300,000.
  • Haywood was hired as the head coach of Miami University in 2008 and led the team to a 10-4 record in 2010, winning the Mid-American Conference.

Sources:

  • The Buzbee Law Firm
  • "Michael A. Haywood v. The University of Pittsburgh," C.A. No. 11-1200 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Division
  • Erin Powers, Powers MediaWorks LLC (media contact for The Buzbee Law Firm)

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