Charlie Weis Fired - Jack Swarbrick Press Conference Transcript

Jack Swarbrick Press Conference Transcript from UND.com
• Notre Dame director of athletics spoke with members of the media Monday evening to discuss the football coaching position at the University.

Nov. 30, 2009
JACK SWARBRICK: Good evening. Thank you all very much for joining us here this evening. As indicated by a press release that we issued earlier today, last night I made a recommendation to Father Jenkins that we take our football program in a different direction by replacing our head coach. Father Jenkins accepted that recommendation, and so effective December 1st, we will move forward in that way.

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Speculation Station: Swarbrick Meetings

According to Irish Sports Daily, Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick is scheduled to meet with the coaching staff today at 2:00 P.M. to discuss the state of the program.  We all know what the outcome of that discussion will be.  Swarbrick also scheduled a follow-up meeting to address the players at 3:00 P.M.  According to ESPN, the players will decide (vote) if they want to play in a bowl game. 

Expect to hear about Charlie's firing early this evening.

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Embarrassed...not for the reasons you think.

Sometimes I am embarrassed to be a Notre Dame fan, but not for the reasons you think...

Is it fair to be critical of a coach that has the worst winning percentage in my lifetime? Yes
Is it fair to demand success against teams that are inferior to yours? Yes
Is it fair to expect a coach to do everything they know how to do in order to put a contender on the field every Saturday? Yes
Is it fair to question a coach's judgment when you see the same problems every single weekend? Of Course!

Is it fair to degrade a man that you don't know personally because he is overweight? NO
Is it fair to question the work ethic of a man that dedicates almost every waking hour to his job? NO
Is it fair to attack a man for wanting his son with him on the sidelines instead of watching him on TV? NO
Is it fair to abuse a man who loves Notre Dame more than anyone I can think of after the fans attack his personal life? NO
Is it fair for fans to be offended when he finally speaks up about how he is a human being and isn't made of steel? NO

I could go on because today I was ashamed to be an Irish fan when I read the interview Weis gave on Sunday morning at 4:00am. That interview showed me the reason I have loved Weis as a man since he arrived in South Bend five years ago. He calls it how he sees it and doesn't care who hears it, including his "beloved" fans.

I will be the first to say that Weis did not get the job done. I will not, however, say that he didn't give it his best shot. The man practically killed himself on the sidelines; not for the money, not for the fame, but because he loves Notre Dame enough to put his reputation on the line in order to bring the program back to glory.

You show me a coach that would come back for the second half after completely blowing out his knee.
You show me a coach that would actually show up for an interview at 4 in the morning hours after he just lost his final home game at Notre Dame.
You show me a coach that receives so much respect from his players that they will link arms and WALK side by side with him showing the Nation that they support him.
you show me a coach that will go up to the opposing QB, who transferred from his team and joined the team that handed him his final home defeat, and congratulate him on his success.

I dare you to show me a coach like that.

I do not accept the mediocre teams that COACH Weis has fielded the last few seasons, but I thank the MAN for what he brought to Notre Dame and what he sacrificed to give every player and fan his best effort.

Grow up ND Nation...our time will come!

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UConn Preview - Where's Me Pot O' Gold?

The final home game for the Fighting Irish has shaped up to be a match between two beaten-down teams.  Both Notre Dame and UConn have taken their fair share of lumps this season on many different levels.  Notre Dame has failed to meet the high expectations that surrounded the team heading into the season, and is riding a 2 game losing streak accentuated by an inevitable coaching change.  Connecticut has experienced repeated heartbreaking losses throughout the year, losing 5 games by 4 points or less..  Those physical losses pale in comparison to the tragic death of cornerback Jasper Howard midway through the season.

Considering the state of these teams, both coaches should be focusing primarily on preparing their teams mentally and emotionally to rise above the failures and play with purpose.  The outcome of this game will be determined by heart.  By late Saturday afternoon we will know which team still has a pulse, and which team is out of gas.

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Speculation Station: Brian Kelly Talks About ND

Take a look at Brian Kelly's recent comments regarding ND, reported by Sports Illustrated.  The thing that sticks out about Coach Kelly's comments is a lack of definitive statements.  We have heard strong definitive comments from other coaches like Bob Stoops and Urban Meyer.  Not to say that emotional comments and convincing promises are a true indicator of interest... uhemm... Nick Saban.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/blog/86564/index.html?eref=fromSI

The speculation circus will likely continue until the week following the Stanford game.  Jack Swarbrick expects to announce his decision regarding Charlie's future at that time according to George Smith's article on ESPN.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4670853

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Speculation Station: Has Notre Dame Picked Their New Coach?

Could the announcement of John Gruden's multi-year deal with ESPN be a sign that ND has already found there new coach?  http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4659441

Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick said "My practice is to make sure I've got the full season's worth of information and then conclude the evaluation."  I believe Swarbirck wont make a change during the regular season, but I would be foolish to think that ND hasn't already reached out to multiple coach's.  Ideally Notre Dame already has Charlie's replacement cemented and it's just a matter of letting the season play out before our new "savior" is announced.

I believe we already have our man.  ESPN reports in their "Rumor Central" that the University is blocking the tracking of their plane. This link validates ESPN's claim:  Track N42ND

Here's a tip: if you really want to know where ND's plane is, check the Cincinatti/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

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Pitt Preview - Where's Me Pot O' Gold?

I consider this weekend's matchup versus 8th ranked Pittsburgh the greatest test the Fighting Irish have faced all season.  Pittsburgh is a well-rounded team lead by an efficient quarterback, a stud running back and a solid defense.  That said, the strength of ND's opponent is just half the battle.  Since Notre Dame's BCS hopes were sunk by Navy last week the Irish have been pelted by a firestorm of criticism and speculation.  The coach seems to have lost the confidence of fans, the players seem to be doubting their leadership, and the team now has to regroup and muster some confidence before stepping on Heinz Field Saturday night.

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My Shillelagh - Charlie Weis, Former Coach of Notre Dame?

Should Charlie Weis keep his job?  Take a look at Charlie's post game press conference.

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There are some problems with Charlie's comment here.

First, he thinks it's "sad" having the pressure that comes with coaching at Notre Dame.  What do you think you signed up for Chuck?  This isn't a free ride.  You are paid millions of dollars to do one thing:  Win. 

Second, Charlie says he will never change how he coaches.  THAT IS THE PROBLEM. If you aren't constantly evaluating yourself as a professional and seeking areas for improvement, you will fail.  Charlie Weis has been a conceited, arrogant, stubborn coach from day 1 at Notre Dame.  His unwavering coaching style has yielded dismal results.  I would love for Charlie Weis to own up to a loss like this, just once, and admit that he failed, his team failed, and they will do all it takes to right the ship.  This does not sound like a man that has the fire to coach a Notre Dame football team.  You will never hear a Knute Rockne-like speech out of Weis. 

These post game comments should not sit well with ND fans.

You tell me, does this man deserve his job?  Vote on the poll to your right.

Share your thoughts on the My Fighting Irish Forum (Click button in the link bar or click here: My Fighting Irish Forum)

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Navy Preview - Where's Me Pot O' Gold?

First Impressions
Navy floats into South Bend this weekend a much more formidable opponent than Washington State (no disrespect to the Cougars).  While Notre Dame is favored to win this game, as they should be, the memory of the 2007 streak-ending shock that the Midshipmen sent through Notre Dame Nation still rings clear.  Most consider the upcoming Pittsburgh game to be the biggest remaining test on the schedule, which presents the opportunity to overlook a disciplined Navy team that has had this date circled for months.

I, like many Fighting Irish fans, have experienced a week of up-and-down emotions as we learned of Michael Floyd's return in the same breath that brought the bad news of Dayne Crist's season ending injury.  Not only have we looked past this weekend's contest, we have speculated about the state of the offense heading into next season.  My hope is that these distractions have not interfered with the crucial preparation that is required when facing a dangerous Navy rushing attack. 

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ESPN's Brian Bennett on ND's BCS Bowl Chances

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My Shillelagh - Cheap Shots

In today's culture of cheapshots and low-blows I take pride in the sportsmanship that ND players exhibit on the field. You don't see that eye-gouging, nut-punching garbage happening at Notre Dame. Heck, when Eric Olsen continues a block just 2 seconds after the whistle Charlie "gives him the business" on the sideline.

I hope that standard never changes in South Bend.

Up in Ann Arbor, that standard has slipped a bit.  For the second time this season we saw a Michigan player punch an opponent during the game.  The first incident occurred in the Notre Dame game when Mouton punched Eric Olsen under the helmet.

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Cougar Hunting Highlights

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