SB Nation User Blog: mhb

Brian Kelly Presser Open Thread

mhb — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:21:30 -0000

More photos » by Wilfredo Lee - AP

Brian Kelly went before the media for the first time today as the Head Coach of Notre Dame. Check the comments for updates.

They're Maaaaaaaad In Cincy

mhb — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:54:36 -0000

I'm listening to Bill Cunningham on Cincinnati's WLW AM 700, and, between Montgomery Inn ribs commercials, I've heard the following:

Cunningham has called for the crucifixion of Brian Kelly. Literally.
He's compared Kelly to Tiger Woods and Bill Clinton.
He's renounced Notre Dame's standing as a Catholic university.
He compared Kelly's actions to those of the Japanese during Pearl Harbor.
He has, in part, "lost his faith in Christ".
He's taken a call from a lawyer named "Bulldog" who is currently racing around a Cincinnati courthouse trying to find a judge to sign an injunction that would (1) prevent the presser from happening, and (2) prevent Kelly from coaching at Notre Dame by claiming breach of contract.
Izzie's Deli in Cincinnati has reversed course and will no longer be naming a sandwich after Brian Kelly.
A litany of hits: Abortion clinics will proliferate in South Bend because Kelly is pro-choice; Brian Kelly supports gay rights (I think this was meant as a negative?); Brian Kelly believes in global warming; Brian Kelly knew John Kerry and Ted Kennedy; Brian Kelly voted for Dukakis.

Good luck, Coach Kelly. You've left one giant pot of crazy for an even bigger one.

Nobody knows the troubles I've seen. Nobody knows but lolcatz.

mhb — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:31:27 -0000

Nobody knows the troubles I've seen.
Nobody knows but lolcatz.

Notre Dame Coach Watch 2009 - Open Thread

mhb — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:45:01 -0000

Now that Weis is gone, we'll keep you updated on the latest rumors, innuendo and hearsay in the comments section.

Charlie Weis Gone As Notre Dame's Head Coach

mhb — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:04:54 -0000

More photos » by Paul Sakuma - AP

Browse more photos »

Official Press Release:

Weis will not be retained as Notre Dame football coach

University of Notre Dame head football coach Charlie Weis will not be retained, University director of athletics Jack Swarbrick announced today (Nov. 30).

"We have great expectations for our football program, and we have not been able to meet those expectations," Swarbrick said. "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."

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."

Weis spent five seasons as Irish head coach from 2005-09, with his teams achieving consecutive records of 9-3 (Fiesta Bowl appearance) in ’05, 10-3 (Sugar Bowl appearance), 3-9, 7-6 (Hawai’i Bowl victory) and 6-6 in ’09 – for an overall 35-27 mark.

Swarbrick 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).

AP Story

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — A person familiar with the decision says Notre Dame has fired coach Charlie Weis.

The move comes after a string of disappointing seasons that was capped by four agonizing losses, including the regular-season finale on Saturday night at Stanford.

The person confirmed the firing to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the official announcement had yet to be made.

The New York Daily News first reported the firing.

A brash offensive coordinator with the NFL champion New England Patriots when he was hired five years ago, Weis raised Irish expectations with back-to-back appearances in BCS bowl games in his first two seasons.
Since then, one of the nation's most storied football programs has gone 16-21.

Polling the Muck: "Who's The (Next) Boss" Edition Pt. 2

mhb — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:33:36 -0000

Here's the follow-up question. Harbaugh has been added to the list because a lot of you folks voted for him in "Other" last time. Same as before, though: If you choose "Other", please explain in the comments.

Poll

Who do you think WILL BE the head coach next season?

Charlie Weis

76 votes

Jon Gruden

31 votes

Brian Kelly

244 votes

Bob Stoops

61 votes

Jim Harbaugh

24 votes

Tony Dungy

9 votes

Kirk Ferentz

8 votes

Other

43 votes

496 votes | Poll has closed

Polling the Muck: "Who's The (Next) Boss" Edition Pt. 1

mhb — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:34:01 -0000

This is the first question. The second will later in the week. Enjoy.

Poll

Who do you WANT to be head coach next season? (If "Other" please explain in comments).

Charlie Weis

107 votes

Jon Gruden

102 votes

Brian Kelly

295 votes

Bob Stoops

120 votes

Mike Leach

8 votes

Tony Dungy

68 votes

Kirk Ferentz

22 votes

Other

20 votes

742 votes | Poll has closed

Polling the Muck: 11/11/09

mhb — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:40:22 -0000

Another Coach Weis question for the people:

Poll

In what direction is the program heading under Coach Weis?

Trending upwards

117 votes

Trending downwards

111 votes

In a holding pattern

229 votes

457 votes | Poll has closed

Polling the Muck

mhb — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:40:29 -0000

Let's find out the mental state of the fanbase, shall we?

Poll

Two questions: 1) Was the Navy loss the final straw for you in regards to keeping Weis? 2) Would beating BCS #12 Pitt on the road on Saturday night change your opinion?

Yes to both

103 votes

No to both

94 votes

Yes to #1, No to #2

299 votes

No to #1, Yes to #2

81 votes

577 votes | Poll has closed

Toryan Smith Dinged Up, Te'o To Get The Start

mhb — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:48:54 -0000

Toryan Smith Dinged Up, Te'o To Get The Start

Manti's judgment cometh, and that right soon.