My Shillelagh: My Contract with Coach Weis

If I were the Athletic Director at Notre Dame, I would draft up a nice little contract for Charlie, right now, midway through the season... and it would read like this:

Coaching Agreement

 This AGREEMENT of partnership is made as of October 22nd, 2009 between Charlie Weis and the University of Notre Dame, the Notre Dame Varsity Football Team and it's loyal sons.

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to guarantee the privilege of continuing beyond the 2009-10 football season as Head Coach of the Notre Dame football team.

Acknowledgment

We, the loyal fans of the Fighting Irish, acknowledge that the football team has seen marked improvement from last season to the present.  We acknowledge that the strength of the team, the one consistent virtue that has shown bright thus far, is the offense that you have rightfully assumed leadership of.  We acknowledge that the overall talent level has risen, and the depth is greater than recent years past.  We acknowledge that the team has the "fight" that you are so proud of week after week.

We acknowledge that we have yet to see a marquee win in your coaching era.  We acknowledge that our defense ranks 104th nationally, undoubtedly shaving countless years of the lives of Irish fans across the globe.

We acknowledge that Notre Dame Football is "alive", and has the potential to be "well" again.  We acknowledge that we will fight week in and week out, win or lose, with the men wearing "golden domes". 

Terms

In order to maintain the the current position held as head Coach at Notre Dame,  we fans, alumni, faculty and friends, need to see continued improvement throughout the remainder of the schedule.  This includes but is not limited to the following:

• Win the remaining games.  Notre Dame will be favored in the remaining games with the exception of Pittsburgh and Stanford.  It's time to exceed an expectation or 2, and win the remaining games.
• Light a fire under your defensive staff.  The dismal rank of 104th is 100% UNACCEPTABLE.  They have shown signs of improvement, but signs only get you a good series or two.  We need complete defensive performances.  This is your responsibility as the HEAD coach.
• Win a game convincingly.  Teams that should be beaten, and beaten well, should not take us down to the last possession.   Games 2 through 6 have yielded dramatic, albeit entertaining, results.  Lets revisit week 1 a few more times this year.
  
• Win the bowl game.  In accordance with the previously stated terms, Notre Dame should find themselves playing in a major, if not BCS, bowl game.  Win the game.

Agreement
This contract states that Charlie Weis has the support of the Fighting Irish Nation, and will keep that support beyond the current season if the forgoing terms are met.  All parties involved agree to contributing in all ways appropriate and possible to further the cause of Notre Dame Football, and silence all critics from that point forward.

Signed:  The Leprechaun
             Athletic Director, University of Notre Dame

Please sign and return the lower following portion after your signature win.

X__________________________
  Charlie Weis, Head Coach

My Shillelagh: My Contract with Coach Weis