Panic has gripped South Bend, where Notre Dame's impressive start has deteriorated into 5-4 record, including losses in three of the past four games.
The capper was a 17-0 shutout against Boston College, the Eagles' sixth win in a row over the Fighting Irish. Rumors started that Weis was on the hot seat and the Big Guy, apparently in panic, announced that he was going to take over the play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Mike Haywood.
Then Jason Whitlock, writing for Fox Sports.com, ripped Weis a new one, saying the coach threw his offensive coordinator under the bus knowing that Navy and Syracuse were next on the schedule, teams the Irish are expected to steamroll. By taking control, Weis was going to look like an offensive genius.
Only one problem with Whitlock's argument. Haywood suffered a death in the family last Friday and is attending a funeral on Thursday. He won't rejoin the team in Baltimore until shortly before kickoff against the Midshipmen. That's the reason Weis is calling the plays.
As for Weis being unemployed at the end of the season, it's not going to happen. Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick made that clear Wednesday.
The bottom line is that Notre Dame can not continue to hire and fire coaches after 3 years. They need for Charlie and the young ND talent to run it's course. Next year ND will be in the preseason Top 25 and will go to a major bowl game with Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate. No question about it.
Posted by: Online Sports Handicappers | November 13, 2008 at 08:40 AM
It's something Weis would have done any way, death in the family or not. Let's face it, he should be calling the plays. It's what he's always done and what he boasted about when he took the Notre Dame job. Doesn't anyone remember the "Guaranteed schematic advantage everytime they took the field"?
They should also be worried about the fact they can't run the football because Tom Lemming keeps pushing overrated five star recruits in their direction.
Posted by: jswinn | November 13, 2008 at 10:13 AM