It's been a bit quiet on this blog for the past two weeks. I've been spending all of my free time scanning message boards and websites for any nuggets related to the Notre Dame coaching search. As of Monday, we have our new coach - Charlie Weis, ND grad and current offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots.
I am quite pleased with the choice as we got someone who understands ND, understands the expectations for the job, is very self confident and extremely hard-working, and is considered to be one of the best football minds in the business. Congrats Charlie. Here's to your success and your dream come true.
In the aftermath of the announcement, there has been some reflection on the decision to remove Willingham and bring in Weis. ND has been bashed mercilessly in the press (mostly by ESPN) and while some of it was deserved, most of it is uninformed and vindictive. If you have a moment, take a look at this for a inside yet balanced view of what occurred:
INSIDE THE MEDIA HATCHET JOB ON ND
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Wednesday, December 1, 2004
Notre Dame Football News
Surprising news yesterday that Tyrone Willingham is out as coach at Notre Dame. Lots of fallout last night and today on how could ND make that decision.
I liked the Willingham hire, was a big supporter of Ty, and would have liked to see him succeed. But his win-loss record simply was not acceptable to ND fans and the ND administration. It is unfortunate that there is increased pressure and urgency now at Notre Dame since it has been 10 years since ND really competed for a national championship. Those are the reasons that Ty was let go after 3 years. Nothing else. And yes, ND has fired coaches in less than 5 years in the past despite the media reports saying otherwise. In fact 5 coaches lasted less than 5 years since the Knute Rockne era.
The real issue is who will ND be able to get? Urban Meyer, John Gruden, Kirk Ferentz? Those names seem to be at the top of everyone's lists. I would be happy with any of those 3.
I will revisit this topic when a new coach is introduced.
I liked the Willingham hire, was a big supporter of Ty, and would have liked to see him succeed. But his win-loss record simply was not acceptable to ND fans and the ND administration. It is unfortunate that there is increased pressure and urgency now at Notre Dame since it has been 10 years since ND really competed for a national championship. Those are the reasons that Ty was let go after 3 years. Nothing else. And yes, ND has fired coaches in less than 5 years in the past despite the media reports saying otherwise. In fact 5 coaches lasted less than 5 years since the Knute Rockne era.
The real issue is who will ND be able to get? Urban Meyer, John Gruden, Kirk Ferentz? Those names seem to be at the top of everyone's lists. I would be happy with any of those 3.
I will revisit this topic when a new coach is introduced.
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