Notre Dame Shame

Today, Notre Dame announced that it had fired coach Charlie Weis after a 6-6 season in his fifth year. I won't repeat the reasoning as to why the firing was necessary after writing an essay about it a week ago. Just know that it was clearly the right decision. The man recruited all the pieces necessary to be a BCS team. He just couldn't channel Notre Dame's abundant talent. When Weis himself admits that he couldn't complain if he were fired, which he did, it's probably time to move in a new direction.

So now Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick must find a new coach and hopefully not repeat the mistakes that were made when Notre Dame hired its previous three coaches. The word on the street is that Brian Kelly is the man most likely to replace Weis. I have also heard Tony Dungy's name thrown around a little bit, although that would be a surprise. Considering, however, that he coached in Indianapolis and Notre Dame is, well, Notre Dame, it's certainly possible for him to be the next coach of the Fighting Irish. I would certainly also consider Chris Petersen, coach of Boise State. His offenses are just plain fun and he has developed a star QB in Kellen Moore. Hiring Petersen would be a significant step towards convincing Jimmy Clausen to return.

Another question is what will happen to Charlie Weis? In all likelihood, he will return to being an offensive coordinator in the NFL. He did, after all, have incredible success leading the Patriots offense through three Super Bowl runs.

I hope that Charlie Weis can take solace in one fact. At least he didn't leave Notre Dame on a record setting 17 game losing streak.