Pittburgh fires Mike Haywood After Felony Domestic Abuse Charge

CatoTheElder · Jan 1, 2011

Well this is just great. I really hope this doesn't mean that Cignetti gets actual interest for the HC job.

Jan 01, 2011
Pittsburgh fires Mike Haywood after domestic violence charge
Mike Haywood's tenure as Pittsburgh is over before coaching one game. The school dismissed Haywood one day after he was jailed on a domestic violence charge in South Bend, Ind.

"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," the school said in a statement.

"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."

Haywood was arrested about 3 p.m. Friday after a custody issue developed with a woman with whom Haywood has a child, police said. The unidentified woman told police that Haywood grabbed her by the arm and neck and pushed her as she tried to leave.

After being released from jail Saturday, Haywood told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that he would be vindicated.

"It isn't fair," he said. "The truth will eventually come out."

Haywood, had a record 10-15 in two seasons at Miami (Ohio) before taking the job to succeed Dave Wannstedt last month. The RedHawks were 9-4 this past season and won the MAC championship.

Now the Panthers must look to find a new coach. The school said it would move quickly.

"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."

-- Erick Smith
Follow Erick on Twitter at @erick_smith

See photos of: Pittsburgh Panthers
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http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2011/01/mike-haywood-fired-pittsburgh/1

Kansas City delenda est.

Pittburgh fires Mike Haywood After Felony Domestic Abuse Charge

CatoTheElder 2009 Comeback Poster of the Year

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Pittburgh fires Mike Haywood After Felony Domestic Abuse Charge

CatoTheElder 2009 Comeback Poster of the Year

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