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Another disappointing season has fans split on Weis' fate

By Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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Weis ended his fourth season on yet another disappointing note, and rumors are spreading fast about his future with the Irish.

In this Sept. 15, 2007 file photo, Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis looks from the sidelines during the game against Michigan in the fourth quarter in Ann Arbor, Mich. Weis ended his fourth season on yet another disappointing note, and rumors are spreading fast about his future with the Irish.

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Nov 30, 2008 at 1:45 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 30, 2008 at 10:59 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — Rumors are spreading fast about Charlie Weis' future with the Irish. There's been speculation for days about a possible buyout. The team ended its regular season with a big loss against USC Saturday night.

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It's the talk at the table at Allie's Café.

"That they want to buy his contract out and get somebody new in there," said Notre Dame fan Fred Laird.

Charlie Weis ended his fourth season on yet another disappointing note. USC trampled over the Irish Saturday night, 38 to 3.

"It's sad to watch, it really is," said Notre Dame fan Eric Wiegand.

"Just total disappointment," said Laird.

"I'm a big Buckeye fan, but as I sat in my motel room and watched the game yesterday my heart was sinking for the coach," said football fan George Strayer.

The big question now, will he stay or will he go?

"Oh, I think he should stay," said Strayer.

"I think he should stay. I think they should let him finish out his contract," said Laird.

Irish fan Sandy Winchell doesn't think Weis should have to take all the blame for the team's record.

"It can't just be the coach. It has to be the players too," said Winchell.

Winchell thinks Notre Dame should give Weis time to turn things around.

"It takes time to build a winning team and it doesn't happen overnight," she said.

And some students agree.

"I'm an optimistic person, so I think he should stay. Give him one year, see what happens," said Notre Dame student Grace Yeah.

But other fans say Weis' time has run out.

"Notre Dame doesn't tolerate a losing season. Sorry, see ya Charlie," said Wiegand.

Reports say Weis' buyout ranges anywhere from $4.5 to $21 million.

View Oldest Comments First

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 7:48 PM Bill wrote ...

Get him and the team a break folks It's football enjoy the game and loosen up!! Or sit there with your beer and imagine how bad you would suck in his position. It's a game!! a game!

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 4:55 AM Robin wrote ...

Holy Double-Standard Batman. Everybody wants Weis ousted for not getting results, but Mayor Luecke wins re-elections by landslides, even though this town is a crime-ridden debacle, and isn't doing any better comparitvely, than ND football.

Tuesday, Dec 2 at 12:23 AM geezer irish fan wrote ...

Charlie gets one more year.

Monday, Dec 1 at 11:43 PM HaaaaaHaaaaa wrote ...

keep weis...that way notre dummer won't have a winning season

Monday, Dec 1 at 11:04 PM Mr.Smith wrote ...

seems like some of you are saying give J.C time to develop his skills at QB, how long did it take for Ohio State to develop their QB? Terrelle Pryor. . .I say it's the coaching folks!

Monday, Dec 1 at 10:49 PM LA wrote ...

I am guessing that Charlie probably wants out at this point...his buyout would leave him set for life with no more Notre Dame arrogance! ND sucks and pretty much always has...except for when Lou was there.

Monday, Dec 1 at 10:39 PM another BUCKEYE wrote ...

It's amazing how one mistep in N/D approach to the hiring and firing of coaches have led to more and bigger misteps, ie: O'Leary,Davie,Willingham now Weis,except one thing, win or lose if Weis leaves, he leaves in a Brinks amoured truck. . ND:0 Weis:7 figurativly speaking

Monday, Dec 1 at 10:16 PM Hard worker wrote ...

ND please hire me. I am astate employee who will never even see $25K a year the way things are going. Can you imagine taking a job where you know that eventually you will be bought out for millions. even being the SBCSC superintendent and getting fired would give me more money than I would work for for over 20 years. Imagine. What does Charlie or the now Kapsa have to lose? Look at Raymond. We know she worked the system and still does and controls her school board.

Monday, Dec 1 at 7:00 PM Teri wrote ...

Again Notre Dame shows its arrogance that they are better than us regular folk. Weis and his family need to go! 20 million for what? See if that helps Hannah's house or goes for the all u can eat buffet at Ryans. Oh an the football players go go too!

Monday, Dec 1 at 6:36 PM Kathy wrote ...

While I don't think Charlie should be fired, I also thought that neither Ty or Bob should have have been fired either. It seems that ND wants to impress more than anything else. People have really lost respect for Notre Dame and the traditions of ND. Merely becuase of the administration who has the "easy come easy go" attitude! I agree that it takes more than 4 years to create a winning team. So, Bob Davies and Ty Willingham should not have been fired! So, I would vote YES but yet NO!

Monday, Dec 1 at 6:16 PM None wrote ...

I have seen "Charlie" at Babe Ruth games, basketball games, etc. He sits by himself, will not speak to anyone, and has his nose in the air. He hids behind a wire fence at baseball games. Why would we want someone like him representing our community. If he has this same attitude with his players, why would they want to play. You are not a god Charlie. You have flaws just like the rest of us. I say get someone who is good for the community, is level headed. The kids deserve better.

Monday, Dec 1 at 5:41 PM Bill wrote ...

To all Fans: ND SUCKS GET OVER IT!!!!!!!!

Monday, Dec 1 at 4:56 PM KURT wrote ...

It takes a least 5 yrs to develope a TEAM. The alums do not allow anyone to develope a team. They drive everyone off that dosen't katow to their royal highnesses.(i should have given th at a different spelling) They didn't even allow Lou to stay.To the alums N.D. is a le-d-gend in their own minds. LET CHARLIE STAY!!!!

Monday, Dec 1 at 4:29 PM Mel wrote ...

To 12:34 pm Dick. You can joing Charlie, because you don't know much about football. The quarterback doesn't catch the football, he THROWS the football. Do we need to talk s-l-o-w-e-r?

Monday, Dec 1 at 3:46 PM Susan wrote ...

Clausen actually made fun of the band?? Are you serious? The kids in the band have more heart than he will ever have. The more I hear and read about this loser just makes me want to buy his bus ticket back to So Cal. He in no way exemplifies the spirit of the University of Notre Dame. Take your spineless wimpy arrogant lazy butt back to Southern California and live on your past high school laurels, cause you have no ND laurels! GO ND!! GO IRISH!!

Monday, Dec 1 at 1:40 PM Rudy, Notre Dame,IN. wrote ...

Time for this arroagant slob to go. His so called NJ attitude has proven he is nothing but a Powder Puff. He is full of HOT AIR and thats it. Tough and Nasty. HAAA Your a joke Charlie ! You have the Passion a COMATOSE accident victim. Plain and simple you stink as a Head Football Coach. You don't have a clue. Go back to Patriots and cheat your way to Super Bowls cause you ain't no genius. Your act is old and we are sick of your stupid excuses, You can't motivate and it shows everytime in a game.

Monday, Dec 1 at 1:33 PM Mary wrote ...

I'm gonna say this again-It's not just Weis to blame, you have to have unity between the the coach and the players & its clear there is none. The contract is what ND offered him

Monday, Dec 1 at 12:51 PM Matt wrote ...

Forget about Social Security. I will just be a horrible coach for ND, then have them buy out my contract. I'll be set for life!

Monday, Dec 1 at 12:34 PM Dick wrote ...

Leave Mr Weis alone...let him finish his contract. It isn't his fault when the quarterback can't catch the football!

Monday, Dec 1 at 12:29 PM To 10:42 AM: wrote ...

You are correct sir, I say fire Chuck and hire Obama, he can solve all the universe's problems so I think coaching the Irish would be easy enough for him.

Monday, Dec 1 at 11:36 AM Wild Card wrote ...

ND will be just like St Joseph Courts and not do anything to Charlie. ND needs a real woman to do the job!

Monday, Dec 1 at 11:18 AM Chris wrote ...

Really WSBT...the only person who wants him to stay is an Ohio State fan? Thats what your basing this story and article on? Give me a break! Your better than WNDU act like it!

Monday, Dec 1 at 11:13 AM Mel wrote ...

STOP blaming the players. Jimmy could be a great quarterback with the right coach. It is totally the coaching or lack of it to blame for a terrible season. Charlie needs to go. He is paid BIG bucks to win games. not have a "decent" team. Wake up the Echos and get a new coach......

Monday, Dec 1 at 11:09 AM Im to blame wrote ...

You know if everybody took responsibility for thier own actions there would be no question of who to blame.

Monday, Dec 1 at 10:57 AM cts wrote ...

As a note, or food for thought, lets forget Charlie for a minute and ask the question of how smart are the Alumni leaders that that came up with his contract? They must all be MORONS!!! No wonder Notre Dame has it's head in the rear of Charlie. Not good business at all. Why even make such a lucrative contract? It's guaranteed to fail, , he gets rich even if he doesn't perform, and with alot less sweat!!!!!! Think about it people!!! Should be a contract on performance not promises...

Monday, Dec 1 at 10:42 AM who's to blame wrote ...

It's Bush's fault.

Monday, Dec 1 at 10:41 AM Domer Hater wrote ...

Charlie is a great coach, though I am an ardent Domer Hater. Look at the improvement from a year ago. 3-9 to 6-6. Clausen will improve in his Junior and Senior years and so will ND. Dont panic. ND and UofM will be back with a vengence.

Monday, Dec 1 at 10:36 AM cts wrote ...

The way the players acted and fought only shows that Charlie has no control or respect from his players. The quarterback making fun of the band shows no leadership either, but he's a waste anyway. No control over your team spells out the future pretty clear. What happened to promoting good sportsman conduct and being a team? We looked like a bunch of stupid street thugs in California, the coaches that were swinging also should be fired.

Monday, Dec 1 at 10:24 AM bm wrote ...

Bowl bid what a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, Dec 1 at 9:40 AM Darrell Otties wrote ...

This guy is fat and getting older. Change him and take him somewhere else because he is not able to run a team and it seems that all players got tired and sick of him and thats why they lost the game big time. Now is the time for change and new faces for the next season. Tons of people are reading what your wrote and feel the same thing and want new management and new players who can bring the bacon home everytime they play games. We should not be a joke to the others who think we are a joke

Monday, Dec 1 at 9:39 AM Another Concerned Fan... wrote ...

To Susan 9:46pm... AMEN! Exactly right! Neither Charlie nor Jimmy have developed at ALL over the past 3yrs! Both have way to big of ego's and not enough talent to back it up! Maybe they can get a 2 for 1 deal with the limousine Jimmy cruised onto campus in, his 1st day. Time for a road trip outta here!

Monday, Dec 1 at 9:37 AM Marian wrote ...

Maybe ND should stop recruiting the so-called "best". They seem to be primadonnas and cannot play tough. None of the layers give any extra effort and seem like they do not care.

Monday, Dec 1 at 9:22 AM Sad Sack wrote ...

Just like eveything else in the country. . . ND Foorball, be polite, the economy. . you name it. . ITS ALL GOING DOWN THE TUBES!

Monday, Dec 1 at 9:15 AM GT wrote ...

This team has no heart when they take the field. Against Syracuse, they were more upset about getting hit with snowballs then they were losing the game. They try to fight before the USC game, only to look like pussycats on the field. When Chris Zorich and others exchanged fists with the U of Miami players - they sent a clear message. Today's players and coaches are wimpy - give us a Joe Moore and a Barry Alverez type - kick butt and worry about feelings later.

Monday, Dec 1 at 9:00 AM Susan wrote ...

Sammy, nicely said. Bye Bye Jimmy. Go back to So. Cal

Monday, Dec 1 at 8:43 AM DJ wrote ...

Notre Dame,...Over rated!

Monday, Dec 1 at 8:34 AM Markie wrote ...

You can't put all the blame on Charlie. In fact I think Charlie is a good coach. I think some of the players shouldn't be playing and some of the other coaches should go but as far as Charlie I don't think he is fully to blame. Look at the performance of Jimmy. He is the one that needs to go. They have a lot of young players with great talent. I think the next couple of years will be good ones.

Monday, Dec 1 at 8:25 AM Sammy wrote ...

Instead of getting of Weis how about getting rid of Jimmy Clausen. He hasn't done anything since he has been at Notre Dame except throw the ball to the sidelines to get rid of the ball.

Monday, Dec 1 at 8:24 AM N wrote ...

If they get rid of him, who am I gonna make fun of all the time and direct all of my ND hatred towards?

Monday, Dec 1 at 8:23 AM E J wrote ...

N D gave him the big contract now let them live with it !!! Maybe the fans will quit filling the stadium !! Thats what N D really needs !!!!!!!

Monday, Dec 1 at 5:20 AM Loser wrote ...

This coach needs to go and soon!

Monday, Dec 1 at 12:01 AM J. D. wrote ...

Weis should go...he turned out to be the biggest mistake ND could make. They don't deserve a bowl bid.

Sunday, Nov 30 at 11:19 PM JAY SMITH wrote ...

They have givin Charlie time to have his players play and SOME of them have not lived up to the billing. It seems he did the best with Willinghams players, maybe they should let him recruit. Play calling leaves alot to be desired also, 91 yards offense against USC is no great recruiting job. I will take a good youth football coach if they can get me 8 wins. Discruntally Yours, Irish Fan

Sunday, Nov 30 at 11:14 PM Ken wrote ...

Weis does recruit well, but he can't develop the talent. It is clear that he is not the answer. It was stupid of ND to give him such a large contract as he was still unproven when they gave it to him. Now he has proven that he is a over compensated loser. Also the academic standards are not too high. There are plenty of schools that have high stabdards in football and academics like the team that just killed them, USC.

Sunday, Nov 30 at 11:11 PM Dustin wrote ...

Charlie has a worse record in four years than Willingham did in three. If Willingham's players are to blame: A.)explain Charlie's success with Quinn, Smardjza and Zbikowski (all Willingham recruits) and B.)explain why he does not bench the poor players and start his "better" recruits. It's why Clausen is starting instead of Sharpley. This situation is due to poor coaching, plain and simple. There are teams doing more with average recruits than ND is doing with supposed top five recruits.

Sunday, Nov 30 at 10:03 PM Eric wrote ...

The best Christmas Gift for Charlie Weis by the student's, fans and administration would be a nice pink slip waiting on his return to South Bend from recruiting. It will be sitting in his fat Santa Stocking.

Sunday, Nov 30 at 9:46 PM Susan wrote ...

20 Million! For crying out loud! ND should sue him for breach of contract in not making ND a winning program. Obviously these kids have talent, except Clausen, that is. Why can't they be shaped into a winning program. Urban Meyer does it, as does Pete Carroll. Other schools take inexperienced HS seniors and turn them into phenomenal football players. Why can't Charlie??? It's gotta be someone else's fault. You can't say he hasn't been well paid for his attempt. Take Clausen when you go

Sunday, Nov 30 at 9:19 PM Mike wrote ...

ND does not deserve to go to a bowl game. I think they should have them play Penn high school in a local bowl. At least then they may have a chance to win. I would put my money on Penn.

Sunday, Nov 30 at 9:05 PM Fast Ed 2 wrote ...

I was amazed that the fans of N>D snowballed and seat cushioned their own players! So, there is no frustration in losing huh? Not only has N.D. lost it's reputation but it's lost it's direction. Taking chances on non collegiate experienced coaches and an attitude to go with it. The end results are a 6-6 season and a "hope" you get a bowl bid. Might be allot of empty seats at N.D. next year. I was once a huge N.D. football fan, but now I root for another team in Lafayette.

Sunday, Nov 30 at 9:01 PM Fast Ed wrote ...

Concerned fan, do you want more of what you have seen already? I don't see how anybody would enjoy a N.D. game. The city of South Bend tells home owners they can't let fans park in their own yards that they pay taxes on. Then the game fans park so far away from N.D. stadium, they get bussed in, and then they all get to sit there and freeze to death with snow all around them. Lastly the security around the ND stadium is hostile to visiting fans and bully them around.

Sunday, Nov 30 at 8:20 PM Eileen wrote ...

I agree that $20 Million is too much. My first husband opted to buy out our marriage and I didn't get half that.

Sunday, Nov 30 at 8:08 PM Concerned Fan wrote ...

I think that a great deal of you are missing an obvious fact, Charlie is bringing in talent, they are young, and have yet had a chance to develop into college level athletes. The players now are from the worst recruiting class in the history of ND. Charlie has had top ten classes all three years of his recruiting. Let him play and develop his players, many have been starting before their skills were mature enough for college football. You all want wins, but do not want the pains of the wait.

Sunday, Nov 30 at 7:33 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I'd have to hear it for myself, that he's leave for 20 million, before I could believe he'd say it as a public statement but it matters little either way. How can they expect a man to project honor when he has none himself?

Sunday, Nov 30 at 7:17 PM Aaron wrote ...

I partially agree with Jason, he said "ND should join the Big East bc the days of the Independents are over." I agree but think they should instead join the Big 10 in all sports! At least then their football team would be mediocre... And to anonymous, I don't think even Obama could save THIS team!

Sunday, Nov 30 at 6:49 PM frustrated wrote ...

My mother heard on the news Charlie would leave for $20 million. The arrogance of him is incredible. He is a typical narcissist.

Sunday, Nov 30 at 6:40 PM Anonymous wrote ...

It looks like its time for another goverment bail-out. Notre Dame will be needing 700 billion to buy out Charlie's contract and fund the University. Obama to the rescue, CHANGE IS NEEDED!

Sunday, Nov 30 at 6:27 PM nate wrote ...

tyrone did'nt finish out his contract.so why should weis.

Sunday, Nov 30 at 6:03 PM ND Nation wrote ...

Charlie must be given his walking papers after the bowl game

Sunday, Nov 30 at 5:23 PM John C. wrote ...

Academic standards waaay to high. No coach will do well here until they are lowered. This is a fact Notre Dame needs to come to grips with. All the good players are going elsewhere.

Sunday, Nov 30 at 5:20 PM real deal wrote ...

The legend of the ND football program is so far removed from what this young generation now knows it as. All they have are the fish stories of greatness that were accomplished long before their time. My son is fourteen and goes to every home game. He had a revelation after the Syracuse loss. "Why do I sit in the rain and cold year after year to see them lose?" I didn't have an answer. This is NO longer ND Football! It is an overpriced/underperformed pony show! Charlie needs to move on!

Sunday, Nov 30 at 4:51 PM Earlean50 wrote ...

I agree with Cornfusion he should be packing as I type give him time neither Davises or Wilingham were afforded that luxury. I say let him eat cake.

Sunday, Nov 30 at 4:45 PM Max Snyder wrote ...

Where is Lou when you need him? AT ESPN.

Sunday, Nov 30 at 4:39 PM for Todd wrote ...

You didn't live here when Lou was coach. 10 great years. 1986 to 1996. 100 wins 30 losses & 2 ties. A National Championship & actual bowl victories. It just hasn't been the same since then. Sorry.

Sunday, Nov 30 at 3:57 PM jason wrote ...

i think ND should swallow their pride and join the Big East,they get an automatic BCS bid every year so why not?....the days of a independent are over..keep the coach and join the Big East it works for all our other sports

Sunday, Nov 30 at 3:47 PM sbntrouble wrote ...

Yet another big business where the "ceo" does'nt preform, but yet walks away with millions.. If I were ND I would force Charlie to work the remainder of his contract with NO authority. Make his out of shape no talent rear sit the bench.. that way he won't leave ND with big buyout only to go to work for someone else.. also take his very uninviting investment on the northside with him when he leaves. Bigger gates there then a minimum security prison...

Sunday, Nov 30 at 3:35 PM rob wrote ...

Ignore the hype Charlie the foo is flying above the alum and will make its mark.

Sunday, Nov 30 at 3:20 PM Bob wrote ...

I saw where Charlie had some "For Sale" signs in his yard. Maybe he "is" leaving?

Sunday, Nov 30 at 3:10 PM Todd wrote ...

I think the ND football program is urban legend. I have lived up here for nine years and have never seen what they give all the hype about. He has had four years and they get worse all four years...how much longer does he need to totally run it in the ground?

Sunday, Nov 30 at 2:58 PM Cornfusion wrote ...

Let him go. YOU CAN'T FIX stupid!

Sunday, Nov 30 at 2:38 PM Simon P. McNudd wrote ...

Irish had very little threat for U.S.C. I wonder who they will get a bowl bid against? I hope it's against Oregon, or Florida State. They got time to practice! I hope Cornfusion is the coach by then too.

Sunday, Nov 30 at 2:30 PM Maureen wrote ...

Na-Na-Na-Na, Na-Na-Na-Na, Hey,hey,hey GOODBYE Weis!

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