Amid swirling reports of Charlie Weis' dismissal from his position as Notre Dame's head coach, the University has officially confirmed that the program will move in a new direction beginning in 2010.
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Weis has been fired after five seasons as Notre Dame's head coach.
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Weis' tenure in South Bend lasted five seasons from 2005-09, during which his teams accumulated a 35-27 record (.564), including 9-3 with a Fiesta Bowl appearance in his first season in ’05. With a 10-3 in 2006, he recorded the best two-year start (19-6) of any coach in program history.
However, 3-9, 7-6 and 6-6 seasons that would follow from 2007-09 would ultimately seal his fate and lead to his dismissal.
“We have great expectations for our football program, and we have not been able to meet those expectations,” athletics director Jack Swarbrick said in a statement released by the University. “As an alumnus, Charlie understands those goals and expectations better than most, and he’s as disappointed as anyone that we have not achieved the desired results.”
According to the release, Swarbrick recommended the dismissal Sunday night to Notre Dame’s president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.
“We have established an evaluation process for all of our athletic programs that, in the end, results in a recommendation from Jack to me,” Father Jenkins said. “I accepted Jack’s decision and look forward to working with him on selecting a new head football coach who is the very best choice possible for the University and especially for our student-athletes.
“I am most appreciative to Coach Weis for his service to Notre Dame and our community. He and his family have my prayers and best wishes.”
It was also announced that Rob Ianello, the Irish assistant head coach/offense, wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator, will assume responsibility for football operations until a new coach is hired. Ianello has spent the past five seasons on the Notre Dame staff and previously was part of football staffs at Wisconsin (1990-93, 2003-04), Arizona (1994-2002) and Alabama (1987-89).
Jack Swarbrick is expected to address the media Monday evening at 6:00 PM ET.
Please continue to check with BlueandGold.com for updates of Notre Dame's head coaching search, as well as the dismissal of Charlie Weis.
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