Now we have to root for ND again

[Big B]

It appears Jon Gruden just signed an extension with ESPN this morning. So now we really need Weis to get his head out his a$$.

[mjb1979]

It appears Jon Gruden just signed an extension with ESPN this morning. So now we really need Weis to get his head out his a$$.

This means nothing. If Gruden wants to go to ND, he'll go. Weis is probably gone regardless of what happens this season, anyway.

[Thegreatone]

Maybe Kelly wants to stay at UC? Maybe......

I dont know. If Kelly wants to leave to go somewhere with more tradition he is going to go guys. I dont think it matters much what ND does. If BK isnt content on staying here he will leave. I dont know if he is ready to bolt.

Next years team is going to be better than this years...

[cafemerald]

I'd rather have ND lose out and have a Big East team slot that gator bowl (Pitt or UC).
I really dont want a top 15 Big East team in a Car Care bowl against some shlub ACC team.

[bearcatbret]

All indications are that BK is staying. Yes, we may have more talent next year but there are a lot of young players through the BEast which means most of the teams are going to be improved. Just because UC may be better does not necessarily translate into a better record.

[Big B]

In my heart I feel like BK wants to stay also, but as we all know he does want to coach there. We don't know for sure if they asked him last year but it was spectulated. If he turns them down again, how long before they ever come knocking again. There's just some many advantages of going to ND:

1. The fan base is unmatched
2. According to the agreement in place, they can lose up to 3 games and still get BCS or play on New years day.
3. Coach one of the most storied programs ever
4. And then there's the $5 or $6 mil a year.

But if he stays he will have a fan base that worships him and if he has a 4 or 5 lost season we won't start asking for him to be fired. I hope we don't become those kinds of fans anyway.

[Bruce Monnin]

3. Coach one of the most storied programs ever


For a minute there I thought you said one of the most "steroided" programs ever.

Personally, I hope Notre Dame loses to both Stanford and Connecticut for three reasons.

1) a Connecticut win brings up the Big East perception in general and helps our computer rating.

2) a Stanford win brings up the perception of the Stanford coach in Notre Dame eyes

3) I always root for Notre Dame to lose unless they are playing Ohio State

[BackInBlack]

I read on ESPN this morning that ND is interested in Bob Stoops and that sources close to Stoops say that he is interested in the job. He is getting a lot of blame in Norman this year and supposedly may be ready for a new challenge. Can't post the link because it is Insider. But for those who have acess, it is on the College Football Rumor page.

[shaunsimpson]

Anyone rooting for Urban Meyer to win the NC (assuming Cincinnati doesn't) thinking that he will want a new challenge if ND comes calling and gives him the things they wouldn't last time. Stoops or Meyer would be great. I do feel guilty rooting for someone else to get the job if Kelly does really want it. He has done a lot here in a short period of time and feel bad rooting against the man, but it is the nature of the business and really hard to root against a guy who will likely get another raise to probably 1.75M here in a year.

[CaptainProbasco]

It appears Jon Gruden just signed an extension with ESPN this morning. So now we really need Weis to get his head out his a$$.

I think ND has already decided to fire Weiss. Now they just have to come up with the money for his buyout. If they do, he's gone, regardless of how they do against UConn and Stanford.

[Antonio]

Anyone rooting for Urban Meyer to win the NC (assuming Cincinnati doesn't) thinking that he will want a new challenge if ND comes calling and gives him the things they wouldn't last time. Stoops or Meyer would be great. I do feel guilty rooting for someone else to get the job if Kelly does really want it. He has done a lot here in a short period of time and feel bad rooting against the man, but it is the nature of the business and really hard to root against a guy who will likely get another raise to probably 1.75M here in a year.

Rooting for Stoops and/or Meyer begs the question: would BK really want either of their jobs? Hard to argue that Oklahoma or Florida are not better jobs than Cincy at this point, especially Florida who never has to play anyone OOC and has a cakewalk through their division in the SEC.

[#41]

I think Weis is already done in Notre Dame. If he had beaten Pitt, he might've saved his job, but there's no way they're keeping him now. Too much smoke swirling about his head being on the block for there not to be a fire burning somewhere. It doesn't help matters that Jimmy Claussen is probably going to declare for the draft (since he's projected as the #1 draft pick), leaving next year as another rebuilding year.

I also doubt the Jon Gruden rumors have any substance (outside of, maybe, people close to Gruden talking him up for the job). I don't see any way Notre Dame dips into the NFL pool after this latest hire has blown up in their face.

I don't know that Kelly will be their target, but I imagine that if he gets an offer he'll be out the door before the ink is dry on the contract. I'm sure he likes it here in Cincinnati, but I don't think a Catholic boy from Boston can turn down the Irish gig. I think the best hope for Cincinnati is that the Irish get someone else and none of the subsequent openings that happen as a result interests him.

**ETA: After reading we've agreed to give up our home game with Virginia Tech to play a game in Washington DC, I have now revised my feelings -- I'm 100% convinced Brian Kelly will not be at this school next year. The commitment to win is still mostly lip service, and I expect him to go someplace where there's more than just talk. **

[shaunsimpson]

Rooting for Stoops and/or Meyer begs the question: would BK really want either of their jobs? Hard to argue that Oklahoma or Florida are not better jobs than Cincy at this point, especially Florida who never has to play anyone OOC and has a cakewalk through their division in the SEC.

Florida has a coach in waiting. I can't see the southern fans taking well to Kelly. They typically don't hire from the midwest with success.

[blackattack]

I think Weis is already done in Notre Dame. If he had beaten Pitt, he might've saved his job, but there's no way they're keeping him now. Too much smoke swirling about his head being on the block for there not to be a fire burning somewhere. It doesn't help matters that Jimmy Claussen is probably going to declare for the draft (since he's projected as the #1 draft pick), leaving next year as another rebuilding year.

I also doubt the Jon Gruden rumors have any substance (outside of, maybe, people close to Gruden talking him up for the job). I don't see any way Notre Dame dips into the NFL pool after this latest hire has blown up in their face.

I don't know that Kelly will be their target, but I imagine that if he gets an offer he'll be out the door before the ink is dry on the contract. I'm sure he likes it here in Cincinnati, but I don't think a Catholic boy from Boston can turn down the Irish gig. I think the best hope for Cincinnati is that the Irish get someone else and none of the subsequent openings that happen as a result interests him.

**ETA: After reading we've agreed to give up our home game with Virginia Tech to play a game in Washington DC, I have now revised my feelings -- I'm 100% convinced Brian Kelly will not be at this school next year. The commitment to win is still mostly lip service, and I expect him to go someplace where there's more than just talk. **

I have been on record on this site several times saying that ND would offer the job to several bigger names before they get to BK. HOWEVER, if they ever offer BK he is as good as gone. Let's not be crazy here. The job at UC can't compete with ND in any way. As for BK repeatedly stating that he is happy here, they all say that until someone waves $4 or 5 million at them and then they can't say no.

[bearcatbret]

We really want and need UConn to beat ND. Stanford will win that game without us cheering for either side.

[shaunsimpson]

From ESPN college football rumors:
Oklahoma Sooners Top Email

Brian Hanley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that a source has told him that Oklahoma's Bob Stoops and Iowa's Kirk Ferentz will be on athletic director Jack Swarbrick's list of candidates to replace Charlie Weis -- assuming Swarbrick fires Weis.

Moreover, the source said that Stoops has told confidants that he would be interested in taking over the Irish.

Stoops is from Ohio and played and coached at Iowa, so he is familiar with the Midwest. Allen Kenney of Bleacher Report writes that Stoops is taking an inordinate amount of criticism for the Sooners' struggles this year and may be ready for a new challenge.

The admittedly skeptical John E. Hoover of the Tulsa World believes that Stoops will ultimately remain in Norman because of his family, which includes a teenage daughter and two pre-teen sons. But, he adds, if ever there were a year for Stoops to leave OU, this would be it.

[Carin's Dad]

Maybe Kelly wants to stay at UC? Maybe......

I dont know. If Kelly wants to leave to go somewhere with more tradition he is going to go guys. I dont think it matters much what ND does. If BK isnt content on staying here he will leave. I dont know if he is ready to bolt.

Next years team is going to be better than this years...It's true that Kelly will go if he wants to. I think he'll stay.

On the other hand, for him to go, there has to be an opening in a situation he feels is better than he has. There are going to be very few of those every year.

If Weis is gone from ND, the best scenario for UC is that they take Gruden. If they take Stoops or Meyer, that would open up another very attractive opportunity.

[Carin's Dad]

I have been on record on this site several times saying that ND would offer the job to several bigger names before they get to BK. HOWEVER, if they ever offer BK he is as good as gone. Let's not be crazy here. The job at UC can't compete with ND in any way. As for BK repeatedly stating that he is happy here, they all say that until someone waves $4 or 5 million at them and then they can't say no.As I said in the above post, another big name could be just as bad. If Stoops goes to ND, Oklahoma is opened up.

[mjb1979]

As I said in the above post, another big name could be just as bad. If Stoops goes to ND, Oklahoma is opened up.

I think OUs d-coordinator, Brent Venables, will get promoted. I think they've been grooming him.

[catscratchfever]

Charlie Strong would probably take over for Urb at Florida

[Irishbearcat]

Stoops at ND would be good. Hard to tell if it's true interest, or just his agent wanting more moolah. Harbaugh has no chance, as I believe he has a DUI and some issue w/ a coed. Capt Kirk may be solid, but he's not high on the list for most.
Gruden may still come, but he's in the minority (although we don't count). I would say it's either Stoops, Patterson, or BK at this point. But it's early, and this crap will continue for awhile.
****, I heard Cowher's name mentioned. LOL

[bearcatbret]

I heard Cowher's name mentioned. LOL

Cowher wines more that the USF coach. I love to watch both lose.

[blackattack]

Cowher wines more that the USF coach. I love to watch both lose.

You're right, Bill Cowher does whine a lot.......but he also wins a lot. It's just a matter of time before he ends up back in the coaching ranks. And when he does he's going to make somebody a winner. With the resources and money available at ND he would have a juggernaut going within 3 years. The kids on ND's current roster wouldn't know what hit them if Cowher got that job.

[cpawstoney]

Notre Dame AD won't rush to judgment on coach Charlie Weis' future
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-16-notre-dame-football-nov16,0,2492983.story

[Bearcat_DF]

All indications are that BK is staying. Yes, we may have more talent next year but there are a lot of young players through the BEast which means most of the teams are going to be improved. Just because UC may be better does not necessarily translate into a better record.

Its hard to improve on 12-0 (knock on wood)

[Bruce Monnin]

Its hard to improve on 12-0 (knock on wood)

13-0 would be an improvement.

[Big B]

Weis called for a news conference at noon today, it will be on ESPN. Oh crap, I bet he quits.

[Best Body]

We really want and need UConn to beat ND. Stanford will win that game without us cheering for either side.

What exactly needs to happen for ND not to play in the Gator bowl?

[mjb1979]

Weis called for a news conference at noon today, it will be on ESPN. Oh crap, I bet he quits.

I called my ND friend, he said it's only because he canceled his normal Sunday news conference. So, probably no need to worry.

[CincyBeercat]

What exactly needs to happen for ND not to play in the Gator bowl?

If they finish 6-6, they won't play in the Gator Bowl. If they finish 7-5, they shouldn't, based on the "handshake agreement" with the Gator Bowl and Big East, but they could.

[Big B]

I called my ND friend, he said it's only because he canceled his normal Sunday news conference. So, probably no need to worry.


He's just basically talking about how bad his team is, but he really looks like crap, grabbing his head a lot.

[Dannyboy]

Weis has surrender in his eyes. He's done in 2 weeks.

[Bruce Monnin]

Doesn't he always look like that?

[Dannyboy]

He normally looks fat and stupid. Now he looks fat, stupid and beaten.

[bearcatjim]

So...what did he say at his press conference?

[Dannyboy]

When asked about his future, he said he had no idea. Otherwise, he just talked about UConn.

[swilsonsp4]

Florida has a coach in waiting. I can't see the southern fans taking well to Kelly. They typically don't hire from the midwest with success.

Here's an interesting commentary out of the Florida scene regarding a strong likelihood that Meyer would take the job, if offered:

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200811200108/COLUMNISTS0306/811200343

[ucfan95]

Florida has a coach in waiting. I can't see the southern fans taking well to Kelly. They typically don't hire from the midwest with success.

Don't hire from the midwest? Thats good. Oh wait. Urban Meyer is from Cincinnati. There goes that theory.

[mjb1979]

My two cents: If ND pays the money to fire Weis, they're going to go after bigger fish than Kelly. Stoops, Urban Meyer...They want a guy who has succeeded at the highest level of college football. Kelly is a great coach but he's never been anywhere with the expectations that go with coaching a storied college football program. ND has taken risks on the last two guys, and they didn't really work out well. This time around, they're going to go for a sure thing.

[Dannyboy]

My two cents: If ND pays the money to fire Weis, they're going to go after bigger fish than Kelly. Stoops, Urban Meyer...They want a guy who has succeeded at the highest level of college football. Kelly is a great coach but he's never been anywhere with the expectations that go with coaching a storied college football program. ND has taken risks on the last two guys, and they didn't really work out well. This time around, they're going to go for a sure thing.
I agree. But those guys might say no. ND is in shambles.

[mjb1979]

I agree. But those guys might say no. ND is in shambles.

Kelly is nothing if not savvy. ND is a sinking ship. I think he will recognize this. I think lots of candidates will recognize this.

[catscratchfever]

Don't hire from the midwest? Thats good. Oh wait. Urban Meyer is from Cincinnati. There goes that theory.

If Urb were to leave Florida, Charlie Strong would be the head coach of the Gators in all likelihood...

[Lobot]

Theory on my part. ND fires Weis. BK goes to ND (I doubt it. but if...) We hire Gary Patterson of TCU. This guy's been a good coach since were in CUSA. Prime target IMO.

[#41]

Theory on my part. ND fires Weis. BK goes to ND (I doubt it. but if...) We hire Gary Patterson of TCU. This guy's been a good coach since were in CUSA. Prime target IMO.

Would he even want the job? It seems almost like a lateral move for him -- I think someone like him would want to leverage his success at TCU to a much bigger program than UC. He's already turned down one B11 coaching gig, if I remember correctly.

The prime target should be someone who has ties to the region or the university that will keep them around even if "better" jobs open up. I'm so beyond sick of playing this "will he stay or will he go" game every season.

[1977 BearCat]

Theory on my part. ND fires Weis. BK goes to ND (I doubt it. but if...) We hire Gary Patterson of TCU. This guy's been a good coach since were in CUSA. Prime target IMO.

If Patterson wanted to leave TCU, he would be gone by now. I'm sure he has had other opportunities. How about June Jones? He runs an offense similair to Kelly's, won big at Hawaii, and has turned a TERRIBLE SMU program around.

[mjb1979]

If Patterson wanted to leave TCU, he would be gone by now. I'm sure he has had other opportunities. How about June Jones? He runs an offense similair to Kelly's, won big at Hawaii, and has turned a TERRIBLE SMU program around.

Ugh, no. Runs a dirty program. No way.

Besides, Kelly isn't going anywhere. Just a gut feeling. He'll be here till 2015 or so, and then finally move to Boston College, his dream job.

[Kindog202]

LaSalle High School is holding a fundraiser event on March 9th. Guest speaker is Brian Kelly.
**
Good sign if you ask me. I know these things are easily cancellable but I think this is a good sign for the future. I don't think you make that kind of commitment if you plan on leaving at the end of the year.

[Bruce Monnin]

LaSalle High School is holding a fundraiser event on March 9th. Guest speaker is Brian Kelly.
**
Good sign if you ask me. I know these things are easily cancellable but I think this is a good sign for the future. I don't think you make that kind of commitment if you plan on leaving at the end of the year.

If Kelly moves on to Notre Dame, you can bet he will still be in Cincinnati frequently to raid the high school talent there.

First things first. We have 10 wins down, 3 to go for the national championship (I just suspect things will break right to allow this to happen).

[Thegreatone]

I think Brian Kelly is ND's backup plan.

Urban, Stoops Kelly

[Kindog202]

If Kelly moves on to Notre Dame, you can bet he will still be in Cincinnati frequently to raid the high school talent there.

First things first. We have 10 wins down, 3 to go for the national championship (I just suspect things will break right to allow this to happen).

I agree but I don't think he leaves for ND and then shows up at a speaking engagement a couple months later in Cincinnati. Just my opinion but he would get so much flak at that fundraiser if he left.

[1977 BearCat]

Ugh, no. Runs a dirty program. No way.

Besides, Kelly isn't going anywhere. Just a gut feeling. He'll be here till 2015 or so, and then finally move to Boston College, his dream job.

No evidence that he is running a dirty program at SMU. Recruiting kids to Hawaii, as odd as it sounds, it much more difficult than her on the mainland.

[Kindog202]

I think Brian Kelly is ND's backup plan.

Urban, Stoops Kelly

I agree, I think ND wants a coach with a proven track record of winning at the highest level. I believe Kelly will eventually have that but he doesn't right now.

[Best Body]

If they finish 6-6, they won't play in the Gator Bowl. If they finish 7-5, they shouldn't, based on the "handshake agreement" with the Gator Bowl and Big East, but they could.

Let's go UConn (just in case we lose to Pitt), then.

Is what you describe above due to a contract between the Big East and the Gator bowl? or based on Gator bowl standards? Obviously they want to make the most cash they can, and ND certainly gives them the highest TV ratings, ticket sales, etc.

[Lobot]

No evidence that he is running a dirty program at SMU. Recruiting kids to Hawaii, as odd as it sounds, it much more difficult than her on the mainland.

Since I live here too, if he was running a dirty program at SMU, the BOT would fire him in a second. The reason SMU has been so bad is that the coaches can't make a move without compliance hanging over their shoulder. They (BOT) do not want to invite the death penalty again.

Now that they have a good coach in place, they'll keep him as long as those compliance types don't find anything or until June decides to move on.

[Lobot]

Let's go UConn (just in case we lose to Pitt), then.

Is what you describe above due to a contract between the Big East and the Gator bowl? or based on Gator bowl standards? Obviously they want to make the most cash they can, and ND certainly gives them the highest TV ratings, ticket sales, etc.

My understanding of the contract with the Gator folks is that they had a four year window to take 2 big East teams or Notre Dame and 2 Big 12 teams at their pleasure. They're already out of options with the Big 12 so this year it's a BE school or ND. Frankly I would think they would rather have ND. If that doesn't work out. BE #2 would be next.

[bearcatbret]

Brent:
You are right. And according to Brian Bennett, the Gator Bowl said that they would consider a 7-5 ND team but most likely take an 8-4 ND team over a 10-2 Pitt team or an 11-1 UC team which ever finishes second place in the BEast.

It is the last year of the contract so the Gator Bowl does not care who the step on or what handshake they ignore.