Fired Coach Walking
AP Photo/Michael Conroy
Or Fired Coach hobbling on crutches as it were. Charlie Weis got the dreaded coerced vote of confidence from Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick on Wednesday. This following an article in the Chicago Sun Times reporting that the “Weis Watch” had officially begun. In the Chicago Tribune on Thursday Swarbrick was quoted as saying:
“They know they have my full and total support during the course of any season. And at the end of every season, we’ll evaluate everything about the program.”
That of course means post-season support hinges entirely on what boosters want divided by the reputational effect of breaking off three coaches in a row prematurely (it’s a complicated equation). And Notre Dame being a fine Catholic institution, I wonder how many Hail Mary’s Swarbrick said following that statement.
When asked if Weis’ job is at risk, Swarbrick continued…
“It’s not. It can’t be because I’m not engaged in thinking about that. That’s not the way we approach this. The answer is: It’s not.”
Reeeeeeeally. That’s fascinating. So if you don’t consider the prospects of second losing season in a row and a likely a 6-7 final record this season, than maybe it won’t happen. The ole’ head in the sand strategy for running the department. Well done.
Swarbrick wasn’t finished…
“We’re clearly a lot better than we were last year. That’s what you’re looking for. You’re looking for progress.”
Uhhhhh…slight correction there. I’m an eternal optimist but you’ve got to put some context around what you’re looking at. This time last year, the combined record of Notre Dame’s opponents was 70-35. Through that same period this year, Notre Dame’s opponents are 41-46. So, yes there is some improvement shown, but in proper context, the quality of competition for Notre Dame this year vs. last is much, much weaker. Easier to look better against less competition, no?
Finally…
“I just think you have to let the whole thing run its course,” Swarbrick said.
Which translates to “he’s going to be fired very soon”. Fired coach walking.
You’re welcome.
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