Two down, so who will be next as Kansas joins SMU with interim coach in football for 2014

Lawrence, Kan. - Charlie Weis has been relieved of his duties as Head Football Coach at the University of Kansas, KU Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger announced Sunday.  Weis was in the third year of a five-year contract.

Zenger named KU defensive coordinator Clint Bowen interim head coach.

"I normally do not favor changing coaches mid-season," Zenger said.  "But I believe we have talented coaches and players in this program, and I think this decision gives our players the best chance to begin making progress right away.

"I appreciate what Coach Weis did with several facets of our football program," Zenger continued.  "But we have not made the on-the-field progress we believe we should.  I believe new leadership gives our coaches and players the best chance to make a fresh start."

Zenger informed Weis of his decision Sunday morning, and then spoke to the rest of the coaching staff.  "I am grateful for the KU fans, alumni and donors who continue to support our coaches and players."

"As we continue to elevate the national stature of the University of Kansas, our pursuit of excellence extends beyond our research and instructional missions," said KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little. "KU alumni, students, fans and supporters expect that Kansas Football will match the other areas in which we excel as a university.  After consulting with Dr. Zenger, I am in agreement that it is time for new leadership of our football program." - KUAthletics.com

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Prior to Charlie Weis's dismissal this weekend, SMU head coach June James walked out of his Dallas office, after an 0-2 start to the 2014 season. The Mustangs couldn't find enough offense, in back to back road losses at Baylor and North Texas.

Jones was in his seven season at SMU and 16th overall at a FBS program. He had lead SMU to four striaght bowls, after 1-11 his first season, but fell to 5-7, 4-4 in the first season in the American Athletic Conference.

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Charlie Weis was a rather peculiar hire by Kansas. His success at Notre Dame was 35-27, but his roots were far more linked to his work as a coordinator in the NFL.

With two gone as September ends, what will October bring in 2014 on the coaching chopping block?

Last year, we saw 20 coaches retire, get fired, resign or move onto other venues.

Who should Notre Dame hire to replace Charlie Weis?

"It is critical to this program and to its place in this university and
college football that we compete at the highest level, that we compete for
national championships." - Notre Dame Athletics Director Jack Swarbrick

Notre Dame Fires Charlie Weis - US News and World Report

First, is it realistic for an Independent in major College Football to compete for national championships in the current landscape and at the 85 scholarship limit for FBS schools?

Our first choice for the University of Notre Dame head football job would be Pat Fitzgerald of Northwestern University. Think how Ara Parseghian, who coached at Northwestern for eight years prior to moving onto University of Notre Dame, did in South Bend?


Rumor has it that AD Jack Swarbrick is partial to a defensive minded coach. Well, former NU linebacker, defensive assistant turned head coach Pat Fitzgerald would appear to fit that bill better than anyone in our opinion. The academic standards at Northwestern would go hand and hand with the standards at the University of Notre Dame.

Of course, the challenge may be getting Pat Fitzgerald to move on from his alma mater, but the success of Ara Parseghian would be a good role model to pattern young Fitzgerald after.

Other articles on the Notre Dame search and Pat Fitzgerald ...

Can Notre Dame find its savior? - National Football Post
Similarly, Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald, whose offense is gimmicky, hasn't been mentioned, but he's an intense, defensive-minded leader who has performed ...
The next Irish football coach will not walk into one of the nation's best ... - ESPN
The Next Notre Dame Coach is... - 1070 The Fan - Indianapolis
Charlie Weis never adjusted to college - The Detroit News

We know many say Brian Kelly, head coach at Cincinnati, but clearly Pat Fitzgerald is the head coach that Notre Dame should take a very close look at. The post-Weis era will be a challenge for whoever the University of Notre Dame land.

As a person more partial to Boston College, rather than Notre Dame, we would suggest Fitzgerald as a great candidate to build the passion of Irish Football back up. Fitzgerald's passion for the sport of college football would be a great selling point, in our opinion. His recruiting has been on the upswing and South Bend should only enhance his ability to recruit.


peace

Should Notre Dame be the 12th team in the Big Ten?

Listening the Colin Cowherd today discuss Notre Dame athletics... I have to ask?

Should Notre Dame be in a football conference?

Charlie Weis has a young team at Notre Dame. The expectations are clearly out of whack. I agree with Colin Cowherd, only 3-4 teams are in the discussion year in and year out for the BCS Title Game. Notre Dame isn't likely to be one any time soon, if ever.

What does Notre Dame have to really play for? They are #2 among Catholic universities for football. Boston College owns them. Heck, they likely will find another way to toss them off the schedule to avoid the pain of it all.

It's too bad Notre Dame isn't a part of the Big East Conference for football. Though, they would already have a loss, since Pittsburgh took the Fighting Irish out in OT this year.

I wish Kevin White, new AD at Duke all the best. At least Duke is showing some life this fall in football. Heck, maybe Duke football can pass Notre Dame in the near future too.

peace