This is a great article in SI about Brett Favre.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com...2007/ index.html
GB | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 2:37 am | #

How can they let Klinger on the sidelines at Houston? Don't they know he's just trying get a Section 8?
bones | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 3:53 am | #

I read the whole presser from CW. I did not see anything specifically about the O line. Maybe we'll have to wait until Sept. to find out or at least until the Blue Gold Game. I hope that this is the year of the Phoenix.
GB | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 3:58 am | #

I usually watch the video of Charlie's presser, so I have to ask the question.
Has (indiscernible) replaced [inaudible]?

The acoustics for that press conference were terrible.
dbldomer7375 | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 7:41 am | #

I suppose indiscernible is a better word for it... you can hear that SOMETHING was said, but damned if you can tell what
Oreo | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 9:24 am | #

Best of luck to Haywood in the possible job opening. Great guy, and I hope he gets the job.
Brad | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 11:24 am | #

I hope he gets it too, and that he takes Latina with him
gwzimm | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 11:30 am | #

Austin American Statesman is reporting that Jack Pardee has been contacted about the University of Houston opening.
Irishzorro | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 12:22 pm | #

dbldmr7375 - I believe that the press conference audio problems could be adequately addressed via PODSCORB.
Anonymous | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 12:49 pm | #

Roberts didn't leave ND until after the 1996 season.

First season at Baylor was 1997.
pmac98 | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 12:54 pm | #

The Favre article is good, but it doesn't mention how Brett never said those things about Warren. Brett loves Warren.
Lujack City | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 1:43 pm | #

gzwimm,

That should would take the pressure off of CW for potentially having to fire him. :)
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 3:04 pm | #

Thanks pmac98. My mistake.
Pat | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 3:04 pm | #

I'm not an Alabama fan and wasn't familiar with this cheer. However, I think it's great and 90,000 people chanting in unison that they just beat you down is yet another reason why I prefer college sports to the pros...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=UNJpG2kj4w0
Fighting Binny | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 3:22 pm | #

Mike Haywood is an outstanding football coach, recruiter, and role model. He has a tremendous coaching pedigree, having assisted at LSU under both DiNardo and Saban, and at Texas under Mack Brown. His work at Notre Dame, his alma mater, has been exemplary. He has been a loyal soldier to Charlie Weis. Being Weis' O-coordinator has probably frustrated Mike more than he will ever admit. Being O-coordinator under Weis means that anyone reading this post probably had as much of an impact on our play calling this season as Haywood did! In fact, Mike looked absolutely miserable on the sidelines this season. Like a man in shackles. And that is a shame. Mike has worked with college football players for more than 20 years. He played for Notre Dame's sorriest coach, Gerry Faust, as well as Notre Dame's great Lou Holtz. Mike knows infintely more about 17-22 year old football players than his $3.5M per year boss.
Mike Haywood has the answers to what is wrong at Notre Dame. Whether or not Weis has ever asked Mike his opinion is something we may never know. If Mike should leave, the program will surely be poorer. I hope that he is able to achieve his heart's desire professionally. If he should be on the staff at ND next season, I hope that CW and his gi-normous ego will allow guys like Mike Haywood to have a lot more input, especially in the area of player development. Transforming a high school All-American into a steady, proficient college player does not happen on its own. It happens with proper coaching and mentoring. There is no substitute. "Schematics" ain't sh*t if kids can't block. When I was at N.D. we were told the first day of pads that "in order to know how to give a beating, you first have to learn how to take a beating". And they ran us through every full speed/ full contact drill ever devised. For weeks! Sometime about half way thru freshman year, every man was so toughened that real concerted efforts could then be placed on delivering the pain to others, while working within the strictures of a player's position and responsibilities. Not every player became a starter while at ND, but all were physically adjusted. The wuss had been beaten out of every single kid. ND's main problem this season, as I saw it, was our lack of tenacity, strength, toughness, across the board, and particularly horrid on the putrid offensive line. Mike Haywood knows how high school football players are hewn into college players, and I hope that if he's not doing it at his own program next season, that he's given a real chance to do it for Charlie's.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 7:56 pm | #

Great post, Voice. There is only one way to get tougher and you said it, get the snot beat out of you until you start giving it back. I could take being out talented, but out toughed there is something that can be done about that. Let's hope that CW gets the nasty he promised us onto the field next year.
Doug | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 8:24 pm | #

My cousin, who grew up with me in SB and who knows a lot of ND people related this story to me. Can anyone confirm it?

Among ND people, there is no finer person, no more of an ND man, no person more dedicated to ND than Roger Valdiserri ... Roger Valdiserri served as ND's Sports Information Director from 1964 until about 1993 or '94 ... he is a complete class act.

Since his retirement, Valdiserri moved from South Bend to Arizona, and still is often seen at various ND events. For those who like to use the phrase, "he gets it" ... concerning anything involving ND and ND athletics ... Roger Valdiserri not only "gets it" ... Roger Valdiserri actually had a big hand in helping to create the mystique of Notre Dame football.


At last year's Sugar Bowl, the day before the game at practice, Roger Valdiserri went down on the field to chat with various sports-press people he knew from his years as ND SID ... at some point during the time press people were on the field, Weis sent a student manager to tell Valdiserri to leave the field.

So, as requested, Valdiserri walks away from the main practice field and goes to an adjacent field and is chatting with several people. Weis, then, sends someone from the ND SID office, the very office that Valdiserri ran for 30 years ... and that person tells Valdiserri that Weis has instructed that he (Valdiserri) has to leave the premises, and until he (Valdiserri) does leave, that person (the SID flack) has to stand there.

Any comments?
GB | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 9:00 pm | #

If that's true (confirmed by other sources), AND CW knew who Valdiserri was, I'm officially off his bandwagon, robot genius or not. I'll be watching for confirmations/explanations.
mike '73 | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 9:46 pm | #

I don't have any doubt that it may be (although is not necessarily) true, but if it is true, then I doubt very much that CW knew who RV was. You can argue that he should have known who he was. But I cannot honestly believe that he did know, and knowingly dissed him like that. Again, assuming any of this is true in the first place.
Dozier | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 11:36 pm | #

That was not the only time that Roger was disrespected by Charlie -- according to another source close to the program. On another occasion, which happened to be a home game at ND, Charlie used *colorful* language when Roger casually mentioned that it was a "beautiful" day for football. (Weather-wise) CW reportedly said, "What the f*** do I care about the weather, Roger?" Yes, he DOES know WHO Roger is --

This incident took place while Charlie was riding in his golf cart several hours before a game last year.
irishgirlpa | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 11:52 pm | #

Goes to show you what I know.
Dozier | Email | Homepage | 12.05.07 - 11:56 pm | #

It would seem like CW would know who Valdiserri is since CW went to ND in the '70s during RVs tenure.
GB | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 12:34 am | #

FIRE LATINA
DayBreakBoys | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 12:51 am | #

Hire Aaron Taylor
the shadow | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 9:32 am | #

Voice, I'm all for Weis giving Haywood the chance to do what he does best and help make our team better. However, it doesn't seem like it's happened the last three years. So maybe the best thing to happen would be for Haywood to get hired at Houston and Charlie to bring in one of "his people" like he did last year with Corwin Brown. We need an O-coordinator who a) knows how to get the most out of high school/college players and b) has the respect, autonomy, and communication with CW that Corwin has. If that person is Haywood then fine, it sounds like he's a great guy for Notre Dame.
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 9:45 am | #

I heard from my friend's old roommate's uncle that Weis doesn't blink. His eyelids cannot shut, and he has to take special eyedrops so that he doesn't go blind.
Oreo | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 11:02 am | #

I hate to contribute to the whole "Charlie-Weis-is-an-a**hole" angle this section is leaning towards, but I have sort of a random question. Wasn't Haywood the guy who Weis yelled "Get off the field" at in the 60 Minutes piece? Or was that someone else? Because if that was Haywood...well, I couldn't get away from ND fast enough if that happened to me.
Jade | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 12:33 pm | #

Since his retirement, Valdiserri moved from South Bend to Arizona, and still is often seen at various ND events.

Valdiserri moved back to South Bend about 2-3 years ago. He may spend winters in Arizona.
DJ | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 1:21 pm | #

Jade - That was Polian.
Pat | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 2:09 pm | #

Oh. That's kind of um, far off, isn't it? I must have thought he was yelling at a different guy.
Jade | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 2:47 pm | #

So has Charlie morphed into Mr. Hyde? What about "pass right"? The visit to the USC lockeroom after a gut-wrenching loss? And other non-published reports of good deeds? I'm not saying these events could not have happened; I'm saying it seems a bit contradictory.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 3:58 pm | #

What is that website that tries to track the heisman votes? I followed it last year and I think that I got the think from this site? Any help would be appreciated.
Joel | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 3:59 pm | #

"Get off the field" is code for "more ribs".

I just want to win. Victory or death... new motto.
Fighting Binny | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 4:02 pm | #

Just who are all these sources close to program? I have a source close to the program that says that Charlie wears a tutu during practice and eats Twinkies. Then he passes gas and calls Roger Valdesarri names. I find it hard to believe that Weis would disrespect RV, seeing how Roger is a legend among SIDs. I cant believe there are any secrets with all these sources close to the program opening their big mouths. Name some of these sources or quit gossiping.
Doug | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 4:09 pm | #

I heard Weis has a robotic, or "cybernetic", shoulder, and that he can store items or objects in the hidden compartment of this "shoulder." I heard that everyday after practice, he has to clean it with Pledge and then oil it with WD3.
Shadow | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 4:32 pm | #

or is it WD40? Something. That's what I heard.
Shadow | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 4:33 pm | #

Here here on Aaron Taylor as a strong O-line coach candidate.

Speaking of big ol AT, he's selling autographed gear on his site for 20%. Pretty cool Christmas gift.

Check it out at www.legendsofsouthbend.com

Oh, and let's try to be nice for the Holdays at least, no?
Santa Clausen | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 5:29 pm | #

Erik '04, my point suggesting that Haywood has all the answers is really just metaphorical. Certainly Mike Haywood does not have ALL the answers, but a guy like Haywood has more answers than Charlie Weis does! I agree with you that after three years with CW it is highly doubtful that Haywood, or any other person on Earth besides Bellichick or Parcells, would have any more impact next year than he has already had, unless CW has one hell of an epiphany. Charlie had better figure out WTF happened this year. Only an idiot would avoid the counsel of coaches who actually know a lot more about college ball than he does.

I do not know if the Valdiserri stories posted here are true, but based on anecdotal evidence coming out of Boston during his Patriots days, they, unfortunately, are not unfathomable. I am aware of another N.D. living legend, also in South Bend, who has been so personally insulted by CW's boarish behavior that, indeed, he would not piss on Charlie Weis if he (Charlie) was on fire. In fact, among leading townies, CW is thoroughly despised.
Once, on this blog, I called CW a "social retard" and was, to a degree, excoriated. But I stand by the remark. CW is pretty much a one dimensional character, and he does not get along well with others. While that may sound like a second graders report card, it is simply a fact. He does not accept advice, except, of course, from the "two Bills". And I believe that is his greatest foible. He is notoriously argumentative and profane. Hopefully Weis will turn the program around and start winning lots of games, but I doubt that he will ever be a beloved figure to peers, fans, alums or administrators.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 5:56 pm | #

I wanna get in on the Aaron Taylor for O line coach bandwagon, too.
Tommy B | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 8:35 pm | #

Voice,

If what you say is indeed true. I would imagine that CW could be in for a short ride even if he turns things around. You cannot go around disrespecting the legends of the university, no matter who you are or think that you are, and no amount of charity can change that situation.
Doug | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 10:21 pm | #

Our offense was such a powerhouse this year, Id hate to lose him.

/Sarcasm
1000Steps | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 10:49 pm | #

Doug,
I agree completely. Who's vetting these coaches anyway? Are there no institutional fits out there who are also excellent coaches? Consensus opinion seems to be that neither Davie nor Willingham "got" Notre Dame, and I tend to agree. O'Leary's grammar was atrocious in his intro event and he rambled on about other dream jobs as I recall -- I cringed his entire short tenure with us. And now Mr. Nasty himself. Decided schematic advantages aside, I think a high profile coach's demeanor and how he carries himself should also be considered critically important under the Dome because they reflect on the overall University and stand as an indicator of what we value. I liked "pass right" and I like the respect shown toward our esteemed military rivals -- I like that stuff A LOT. But I'm not seeing consistency of character in other phases of his operation and that is worrisome to me since I care at least as much about the reputation of the institution (it's the school of Our Lady for heaven's sake!) as I do about making it into BCS games every year. Surely his arrogance can't be acceptable to the CSCs and the Fellows, can it? Do you suppose they are giving him the ol' what-for behind the scenes?
Love Thee Notre Dame | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 11:16 pm | #

God, this comment thread is pathetic. Doug and Erik '04, don't get sucked into this - a bunch of self-important "fans" who "know people" who "know things".

Jay, Pat, et. al. - PLEASE write something that is actually worth reading! Please!!
belden | Email | Homepage | 12.06.07 - 11:18 pm | #

Charlie Weis once punched a kid with cancer in the face. Knocked his head clean off.

Charlie Weis directed the film 2 girls 1 cup.

Charlie Weis is JaMarcus Russell's father.
Someone who knows | Email | Homepage | 12.07.07 - 9:10 am | #

This is pretty ridiculous. It is amazing that Charlie can be such an a-hole, social retard, whatever, and still fool the entire media week in and week out. He never gets caught "disrespecting the legends of ND" by the media, or maybe the media decides to cut him slack and not write the stories when this happens. You know, because the media is all about cutting slack.

Oh, and doesn't this man, who is constantly disrespecting our beloved legends, also bring in legends every year to be honorary coaches at the Blue-Gold game? Hmmm, that's interesting.

Finally, if Haywood so hated his job and was so miserable, don't you think he could find another OC coaching position in the 117 other D-I programs in the nation. Something tells me that if he doesn't get the head coaching job at Houston, he'll be back at ND, "hating his miserable job".

I for one am more interested in what CW is doing to improve the program than how he acts socially among others. But Voice and GB, go ahead and speculate all you want.
Domer97 | Email | Homepage | 12.07.07 - 10:00 am | #

I've heard a whole bunch about so-called Notre Dame "legends" being disrespected by Coach Weis and, to be honest with you, I really don't believe any of it. I know there have been a lot of stories about it, and it's easy to think that if it's all over the place, some of it must be true.

But there are plenty of very well-known ND guys who seem to like Charlie just fine. Ara, Lou...heck, even Mike Golic. I find it hard to believe Coach Weis is super-nice to them and then disrespects everyone else. It doesn't really make sense.
Jade | Email | Homepage | 12.07.07 - 12:35 pm | #

Hey guys at Blue-Gray? Are we gonna have enough room for all of these clowns jumping off the Charlie Weis bandwagon when they decide to jump back on in 08 or 09. I'm a little disappointed with all of the fans and all of the people they know who have seen so many things behind the scenes. One thing I do know is that the media does not cut slack and would love a story portraying Weis as a jerk.

Do I think he did a great job as a coach this year? No. Do I think he has learned from this experience? Yes. This was a very young team this past year. We should improve next season and be quite dangerous the following season.

If you're jumping off the Bandwagon, don't try and catch up to get back on. Find another wagon to jump on.

Go Irish!!
Chuck | Email | Homepage | 12.07.07 - 1:18 pm | #

I wet myself after reading "Someone who knows" comments.

That's some funny stuff!
Big Tobacco | Email | Homepage | 12.07.07 - 1:32 pm | #

I really enjoy the lively debate and the willingness of some to rush to censor the opinions of others. There are two sides to every story and the exchange of stories/experiences lead to debate. Isn't this the spirit of the very institution that we revere?

Only in America! -Don King

America, what a country! - Yakov Smirnoff
Domer Dan | Email | Homepage | 12.07.07 - 2:50 pm | #

I hear many stories of Charlie's underperformance dealing with "very important" alums, grandmothers and babies. His job is not to know every important donor's name or to suspend rules for important people. He is there to educate and graduate football players and to win a National Championships. This year was bad, but you need to give it some time. If we do not improve next year, I will want to join the haters, but it won't be because he was mean to someone.
Benny | Email | Homepage | 12.07.07 - 3:36 pm | #

Paul Johnson told the Middies this morning that he will be leaving Navy and becoming the head coach at Ga. Tech.

The Ramblin' Wreck is getting a heckuva, heckuva, heckuva coach. Glad it's Ga. Tech and not UM.

And Schiano has turned down those folks at Ann Arbor. Oh well: back to the drawing board for Bill Martin.

Question: how many coaches have turned down the offer to coach the Wolverines this year? I'm glad I'm not the AD at UM.
Fr. Brian Stanley | Email | Homepage | 12.07.07 - 3:53 pm | #

UM's December 2007 feels a lot like ND's December 2004, with lost opportunities for coaching hires, people preemptively turning down the UM job, etc. With one exception: no one is screaming about how the UM job/program just isn't what it used to be.

Perhaps it isn't noticable from the public domain. What do these guys know that no one else seems to know? Since when is the UM job a bad one?
IndyEsq | Email | Homepage | 12.07.07 - 5:01 pm | #

Just to clarify - I'm not dogging on UM, nor propping up ND via shadenfreude. I'm legitimately curious why it is that UM is having such trouble hiring someone.
IndyEsq | Email | Homepage | 12.07.07 - 5:04 pm | #

I have said it before, many coaches love job security over the opportunity to coach at a high profile school with high expectations. Schiano is a god-like figure at Rutgers. As long as he runs a clean program wins some games, goes to bowl games the fans and administration are happy. 8-4,9-3 yearly with a bowl bid and possible a BCS bid thrown in every few years and he is secure. Would 8-4, 9-3 yearly be acceptable at Michigan or Notre Dame? Grobe is in the same situation at Wake Forest, so is Tedford at Cal. There arent as many coaches salivating at the opportunity to coach a high profile team as many think.
Doug | Email | Homepage | 12.07.07 - 7:05 pm | #

Agreed once again Doug. Not to mention that whoever is selected will have their hands tied as far as who the assistants will be. It's a double edged sword taking a job like UM or ND. You get all sorts of resources, a rich history, hot recruiting beds, and tons of money to make it all happen. If you cant make it happen, though, you wont last long.

You should check out Michigan's board over at scout. It's pathetic.

I think they'll end up with Les Miles when all is said and done. And yes, I know he signed an extension. He's the next Nick Saban. Except maybe not as evil. Saban blatantly turned down report after report that he was going to Alabama.

What Miles and the LSU administration want is for LSU to win a championship. Then LSU gets their trophy, and Miles gets more leverage when negotiating with UM. In the meantime, the real loser is Michigan. They are possibly losing out on recruiting in this crucial stretch, and have no head of the program.

Can imagine if LSU loses to OSU though? Now THAT would be the funniest thing to happen in years. How will the Michigan faithful feel if/when they hire a coach who lost to OSU with a much better team than the one he will inherit in Ann Arbor? That's something to chew on.
Brian | Email | Homepage | 12.07.07 - 8:52 pm | #

Brian,

What I am reading in the Detroit Free Press is that there are many at Michigan who dont want Miles, including Llyod Carr. He may be a Michigan Man, but he apparently is not the Michigan Man. I think if Miles does end up with Michigan it will put egg on everyone's face. He has lied about the contact he has had with Michigan and the reports coming out of there are that they were even to the point of discussing staff. He repeatedly says that he had no contact with Michigan. I believe Martin caved in to the sector of fans that did not want Miles and backed off, I may be wrong. Remember, they are not real experienced when it comes to looking for a coach, they havent since Schembechler.
Doug | Email | Homepage | 12.07.07 - 11:10 pm | #

All will be forgiven when/if Coach Weis wins the national title. He could publicly eat a baby and it wouldn't matter at that point.
Fighting Binny | Email | Homepage | 12.08.07 - 10:16 am | #

Paul Johnson to Ga Tech. Glad to have them off the schedule, yikes! Hopefully Navy doesn't snag the next great 1-AA coach and keep that program rolling. Not that I don't want to see them win, just no more nail-biters against us.

A truely great hire by GT, this is what they need after Chan Gailey. I agree with Brian, thank God he didn't wind up at UM. I hope they're stuck taking English for the next 3 years.
Mark | Email | Homepage | 12.08.07 - 11:59 am | #

I wonder why Mike Trgovac is not being considered by the Skunkbears? He was a great player for them from '77-80, and was a coach at ND under Lou, as well as numerous NFL jobs. He's a very impressive guy, and would probably do a great job. Therefore, I hope in their manic search, they simply forget about him!
I am beginning to think that Lloyd might be cajoled to return for another season in order to buy Michigan some time in their coaching search. That would also give Les "Character" Miles a chance to jump ship in a year, and not look like a lying sack of Saban in the process.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 12.08.07 - 2:51 pm | #

Voice,

Your words have truth to them(no I am not an Indian). I dont think that Miles will be the coach at Michigan as long as Carr has any input. Miles has pissed off some people at Michigan in some way. Miles so openly campaigned for the job, Martin didnt even bring him in for a formal interview, which he could have done anytime after Saturday. I like Trgovac, but I hope he stays in Carolina.
Doug | Email | Homepage | 12.08.07 - 2:59 pm | #

Voice, your previous post about Weis ever becoming a "beloved" figure reminds me of the time I once followed professional football. Having grown up near Chicago, I naturally followed "da Bears", especially at the time they began their ascent to the Super Bowl. I personally couldn't tolerate "Iron Mike" - he, too, lacked the social acumen and class of such other coaches as Bill Walsh, and he openly feuded with (or completely ignored) his defensive coordinatory, Buddy Ryan. However, for that one magical year, he brought home the bacon, so to speak, and all was forgiven. Of course, there was my favorite football player of all time, Walter Payton, to take the sting out of Ditka's public tirades. To this day, I can't warm up to that guy, although I cut him some slack for trying to do good things for retired players. Just some musings on a (sigh) football-free weekend...
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 12.08.07 - 3:47 pm | #

Doug,
I agree with you that Carr is Miles' stumbling block. I really haven't been following the UM ordeal all that closely. Since Carr telegraphed his intentions a year ago when he orchestrated a financial safety net for his assistant coaches, the UM A.D. has had more than ample time to fill the slot, but apparently Carr held the entire program hostage until after this year's Ohio State game. After Appetizer State knocked them off in week #1, he should have announced that this was his last season, and he would help Michigan keep continuity, yada, yada, yada. But he did not, and therefore, I don't think Carr should be allowed to pick his successor. He seems to think that he is Bo incarnate. The timing of his resignation has done nothing but hurt their program, and now he mucks up everything for them by somehow forcing them to obtain his approval on the next head coach. How does he warrant such favor with the university? Incredible.
Whether Miles is the right guy or not is inconsequential. If the Skunk Nation believes that he's the one, how the hell does Lloyd Carr get to exert his will over all others? Lloyd seems to have conned everyone into believing that he's channelling Bo. As an Irish fan, their confusion is entertaining, but as a person who is interested in why people do the things that they do, I am baffled as to why Carr is being allowed to hang around queering potential deals.

OC mj, You surprise me! I would have bet the farm you were an Iron Mike fan. I am a Ditka fan, and have always found him immensely entertaining. Plus, he was a helluva player, and I'm old enough to remember some of his exploits, especially when he was with Dallas late in his career. Buddy Ryan, however successful as the architect of the 46 Defense, was a sort of a low class scumbucket, IMHO, although Ditka knew it long before the rest of us. Ryan's cheap-shot-artists Eagles revealed his lack of character some years later.
Also, the next time you're in Chi Town, do I like I do, and visit Ditka's restaurant for a few cocktails, followed by a great steak or a rack of their incredible ribs. Awesome! And if he's there that night, you will fall in love with the guy.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 12.08.07 - 5:08 pm | #

Everyone's talkin about Aaron Taylor as a line coach, but he has no coaching experience.

What about Andy Heck? Another fantastic Olineman, who learned to be a beast under Moore, who could be a kickass Oline coach. Plus, he has experience, as I beleive he's coaching for the Panthers now (correct me if I'm wrong).
Brad | Email | Homepage | 12.08.07 - 7:25 pm | #

Oh, and all this talk about whether Charlie is a nice guy or Satan, I only have two things to say.


For one, I think a lot of people think he's a jackass simply because he will often rebuke people who come up to him when he's out to dinner, etc. Charlie himself has said that when he's with his family, that's their time, and he doesn't allow ANYONE to interrupt it. I commend him for that, but I think it often gives people the wrong impression.


Secondly, there were a whole lotta people who HATED another great coach I know. This coach won multiple national championships, and is close to the top in every single statistic for winning for coaches. He also only had TWO players who failed to graduate under him, both of whom went pro. He was hailed by all of his former players as a person who formed them into the men they became. His name was Bob Knight.
Brad | Email | Homepage | 12.08.07 - 7:30 pm | #

Brad, Andy Heck is in his fourth year coaching with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He got his start at UVa. under Al Groh.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 12.08.07 - 7:55 pm | #

It should be pointed out that Andy Heck was only coached by Joe Moore for one year, not four. Joe's first year at ND was Andy's senior year, which is also the only year that Andy played on the offensive line.

Not that it really matters, but I've seen a few people bring up the Joe Moore connection and I didn't want people to think that Heck spent four years learning the craft from Moore.
Pat | Email | Homepage | 12.08.07 - 8:08 pm | #

Voice,

I believe there are other influential Michigan people who dont want Miles. The Free Press says he has as many or more detractors as he does supporters
Doug | Email | Homepage | 12.08.07 - 10:31 pm | #

Voice, I have a couple of questions that have been bothering me about the coaching searches at Michigan and elsewhere. I'd really like to hear your thoughts:

1) What's the best timing for a coaching transition, in terms of recruiting? I agree that Carr telegraphed his resignation, but how could UM have set up a replacement during the season?

2) What's the best way for a sought-after coach to handle interviewing, i.e. Les Miles's situation? How much impact does a pending departure really have on the team?

For all the posturing and news reports, I still have the feeling that there's a 50-50 chance of Miles being at Michigan next season. If that is not the case, though, it will have been good to see that pretty much any high-profile spot is tough to fill these days.
Louie | Email | Homepage | 12.08.07 - 11:21 pm | #

Brad,

I was the one who brought up the situation with Charlie. I went to IU for my first 2 years of college. If Bobby Knight is a role model, they the paradigm needs to change. One of his star students was Isiah Thomas. If he said Bobby Knight made him the man he is then what more evidence do you need?

CW's situation with Valdiserri occurred in his role as coach. It was not in his off time with his family. Therefore it is fair game. I did not bring this up to crucify CW but posed it as a question. I have heard many rumors about him. Even my mother, who has been to virtually every home game for over 50 years until just recently, said that CW was not well liked in SB. I never said anything since she never gave me any evidence. This is a specific instance.

We need to question things. If most of the populace had questioned our President's willingness to go to Iraq then our country would not be in the present mess that it is in overseas. I defended CW before on this blog for situations like honoring Navy when they sing their song. We need to call things as we see them. Charlie does not get a free pass on this instance. Personally, I do not think this is the Notre Dame way or the human way to deal with people.
GB | Email | Homepage | 12.09.07 - 9:52 am | #

I really don't think Charlie Weis cares too much if any of us think he isn't a nice man. I also get the impression that, if he's someone you only know casually, you probably wouldn't like him. (Thus, people in South Bend who probably barely know him, don't like him.) But the people who know him well seem to like him just fine. Considering the alumni base that ND has, I think that if he were truly treating former players all that badly, we would be hearing about it a lot more.
Jade | Email | Homepage | 12.09.07 - 10:44 am | #

Thanks for the advice, Voice. My brother-in-law is a huge fan of Ditka's restaurant (and the Bears) and has echoed your sentiments, having had many conversations with the Man himself. We will be staying in the Windy City during the holidays and will be sure to add Ditka's to the itinerary. I'll let you know if I meet (and fall in love with)the guy! I sure did love that team.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 12.09.07 - 12:47 pm | #

Louie,
1)I have been asking myself the same question regarding the best timing for a coaching transition, and have come to the conclusion that there is no hard and fast rule that can be applied. It seems to be entirely situational because many factors have to be taken into account. In a nutshell, if there is an excellent up-and-coming assistant coach on the staff who "gets it", then giving him the job is the best scenario for continuity. If hiring from within is not an option, are there any coaches immediately available who are on the AD's wish list? When the AD secretly puts out "feelers", does he anticipate "getting his man"? If yes, then it is critical that timely (yet deniable) leaks to the media help generate and maintain excitement with both alumni and recruits. There can be absolutely no empathy towards the university whose coach you plan to steal! As you continue to break rules, you make many late night calls from the pay phone at Denny's, and you start trying to assemble a new recruiting coordinator and staff, provided, of course, that the current coordinator also needs to be replaced.
Now that the pre-Bowl lull is in effect, go get your coach! Or scour the NFL for good coaches that are underappreciated and on thhe hotseat. For example, I would be completely sick if Michigan hired Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox, because he is great, and he would translate into being a tremendous college coach, much like the Poodle has been for USC. Fox could walk out of Carolina tomorow, and the owner Jerry Richardson would probably jump for joy. Fox could probably talk Jerry into a Houston Nutt-esque golden parachute, too!

2) I was on a team once that knew our head coach was going to be released, and it was total helter skelter. All the assistants were working the phones looking for jobs, the head coach walked around crying, and every person from top to bottom in the organization was a wreck. The players wondered who would come in to be the new coach, and the old timers felt like taking it easy so as not to get hurt! It was every man for himself. Oh yeah. We had a game that weekend, and got slaughtered. So, to answer your question, nothing destroys a team like an in-season or pre-bowl coaching change or rumor of a coaching change.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 12.09.07 - 12:52 pm | #

Quick addendum.
Florida State has found itself being held hostage by Bobby Bowden, and thus will announce tomorrow that Jimbo Fisher, their one-year-on-the-job O-coordinator, is being given a new contract that makes him the highest paid assistant in college football, and assures that he will become head coach when Bobby finally assumes room temperature, or quits, whichever happens first. FSU will further agree to pay Fisher $3M should they decide to hire a different head coach than him. That, my friends, is how a program can assure recruits that they need not fear the repercussions of coaching changes because proper provisions have already been made.
Michigan could have done something like this a year or three ago, and might not find itself in their current situation. Hotshot coordinators must be ecstatic. There ship just came in.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 12.09.07 - 1:10 pm | #

Voice,

Fox could be a real viable candidate, especially since Carolina has a head coach less than 3 hours away, Bill Cowher. Fox at Michigan would be a real pain in our ass, since he is pretty good friends with Weis. The Free Press this morning says that Miles is still the focus. I don't know why Miles is such a hot commodity, I think LSU is loaded with talent and I believe he has somewhat under achieved there, but what do I know. Michigan has screwed this search, I liked the comment that a writer made about Schiano, that he should replace his bullhorn with a pacifier. Michigan would have been a step up for him, he is waiting for the Penn St job which wont come open until all the assistants have retired and JoePa is room temp. Paterno and Bowden need to step aside and allow some of the younger coaches their shots. The problem with Carr is that he is still coaching the team in the bowl game, that keeps him there until January.
Doug | Email | Homepage | 12.09.07 - 1:34 pm | #

Voice, point taken on Isaiah Thomas. HA!


All I'm saying is I don't care what Charlie does as long as he wins (which he obviously is not doing, and is quite aware of). Charlie comes from the Parcells/Belicheck line. Both of those guys always knew that PR was not going to keep their job. Winning games was. Heck, Tyrone was a beloved figure by everyone who met him, but in the end it really didn't matter at all.

With regards to this supposed Valdisierri situation, I don't find it odd at all that Charlie didn't want anyone watching his team practice. Charlie is from the NFL, where espionage is all too much a part of the game, and whether or not he knew who Valdisierri was, I don't find it strange that he wanted people out of his practice area. It's not a dog and pony show, its practice.


And also, there's another huge point that a lot of people never seem to recognize. As beloved as a figure as Lou Holtz was in South Bend by the fans, there WERE quite a few people who did not like the man at all. I personally know (I know, I know) at least two big time boosters who respected Lou tremendously, but couldn't stand him personally. And you know what.....WHO CARES.

Coaches are supposed to coach. I don't care if they are nice, or shake hands, or rub elbows, are loved, or are hated. I, for one, do NOT think Charlie's job is to be an ambassador for Notre Dame football. I think his job is to PRODUCE ambassadors for Notre Dame football, and win football games. Other than that, he can be as ornery as he wants.


Leahy, God Bless his Soul, was a mean ol' sonnuva bitch. And a great coach.
Brad | Email | Homepage | 12.09.07 - 1:43 pm | #

Darius Walker was activated by the Texans this week and played pretty well in their win over Tampa Bay today.
irishgirlpa | Email | Homepage | 12.09.07 - 4:38 pm | #

Brad, GB made the good point about Isiah Thomas. Enjoyed yor last post, and especially appreciated the Leahy reference. Also, as you may know, Leahy lost his marbles at some point, and lived out his days above the Notre Dame Firehouse. All alone in the attic. Weird.

Doug, Great post. Last weekend, after LSU's win over Tennessee in the SEC championship game, Lou Holtz helped to further paint Les Miles in a corner, and it was hilarious. On ESPN with Rece and MM, Lou went on and on saying that (paraphrasing) "if Les Miles says he's staying at LSU, then he is absolutely staying! Les is a man of his word and I have no doubt that a man of such high moral integrity as Les Miles would ever in a million years go back on his good word to LSU". It was priceless. Lou was just laying a little groundwork in case there is a Saban-esque situation after the BCS Championship game. Classic. Lou is brilliant!
If John Fox should for some reason get the Michigan job, I feel certain that it will be both yours and my fault! Has Fox's name been mentioned anywhere in connection with Ann Arbor besides what we have stated? But, it really would be a great fit. Incidentally, Mike Trgovac is the D-coordinator at Carolina with Fox. WE WILL DESERVE A DAMN COMMISSION!
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 12.09.07 - 7:58 pm | #

Doug,
Regarding Schiano going to Penn State someday, I believe that if PSU would just give JoePa an all-access field pass on gameday, they could actually hire Schiano, make him the head coach, and Paterno would never even know! Much like Bowden, the lights are on, but no one is home.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 12.09.07 - 8:04 pm | #

So, the wheel is spinning but the hamster's dead?

Congrats to DW in Houston today. His stats were modest, but I'm happy for him to get his first bit of NFL action. Ryan Grant, on the other hand, had a fantastic day and is really finding his stride in Green Bay in the last few weeks.
Reno | Email | Homepage | 12.09.07 - 8:30 pm | #

Thanks for the thoughts, Voice. The problem with an AD putting out feelers during the season is the Petrino / Tuberville problem from a few years ago. You are more confident than I would be, in terms of setting up a coaching change during the season without disrupting the current team or recruiting. FSU's approach looks great, if Fisher is the right guy. Regarding the second question, I guess it's naive to think that a team could hold together when a coach is on the way out. Your comment about assistants makes perfect sense.

Have you guys thought about Mattison for the Michigan job? He seems like a reasonable candidate.
Louie | Email | Homepage | 12.09.07 - 9:05 pm | #

Mattison would be an excellent candidate. Isn't he with Meyer right now, down at UF?

I think UM is committed to hiring someone who is currently a head coach -- the exceptions being DeBord and English, the OC and DC at UM. In the end, I think it will be one of those two rather than someone outside the box.

I also think that is a shame, the failure to think "outside the box." I have been reading both the Michigan media on this, and sampling the UM blogs, and it would seem that everyone admits that their program has become calcified: not moribund, but just predictable. I think of Cardinal Newman's observation in his essay on Christian development: in heaven it will be different, but here on earth, to be is to grow, and to be perfect is to have changed many times.

Maybe that's a little too theological for BGS, but it's not yet 7 a.m., so it's early. I wish UM well in their search, despite the vitriol some of them spray this way.
Fr. Brian Stanley | Email | Homepage | 12.10.07 - 6:51 am | #

Dear Fr. Stanley,
How wonderful of you to describe skunk spray as "vitriol"!
LOL!
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 12.10.07 - 9:18 am | #

I have NO problem with CW putting Roger Valdiserri in his place.

Roger Valdiserri does NOT work at ND. He is OUT OF THE LOOP. He should NOT be talking with media or anyone giving his "insiders" perspective on the University.

CW should keep an eye on him and have someone make sure that RV does NOT mis-represent the University.

From the story described, it sounds like intelligent decision making on CW's part to me.

Roger V was a sports information director. That's all folks. I do not put him in the same class as Lou Holtz, Ara P, Moose Krause, or many of the other ND "legends". RV does NOT have a free hall pass.
atepesm | Email | Homepage | 12.10.07 - 11:17 am | #

Good post, atepesm
Doug | Email | Homepage | 12.10.07 - 12:55 pm | #

With all due respect to Brad and atepesm, I disagree. Unless he's done something to disrespect or in some other way harm ND, Roger valdiserri not only doesn't deserve that kind of treatment, he deserves much better than that, given his years of service to Our Lady's University. Hell, anybody his age deserves better treatment than has been reported in this thread, for that reason alone, if no other! There are better ways to achieve whatever end was felt necessary in that situation, than the way it was (allegedly) handled. As far as being a representative of ND, you bet he is! And not only that, he's a role model for his players, and there's no way in hell that's modeling appropriate behavior for the players that you say he's charged with making good representatives of ND (which I agree he is responsible for - primarily because ND IS different, and NOT "Anywhere State U.") ND's programs are about more than just football, or soccer, or theater, or whatever; and we all know and are proud of that. As regards Leahy or Lou, or whomever, hollow excuses that someone else acted like a jerk, don't excuse that behavior now, even for the head FB coach at ND. I think we all came to accept, while at ND, that the end doesn't always justify the means. Finally, just when do we get the "Nasty" on the field?!
Mike '73 | Email | Homepage | 12.10.07 - 1:06 pm | #

Who would have thought that our last three running backs would all be starting or at least playing in the NFL right now? Good to see it!
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 12.10.07 - 2:06 pm | #

Mike '73, Just what would you speculate Roger was doing there if all of these alleged actions actually occurred? I coached high school wrestling for many years, and, at times, would have yelled at my own mother to get out of my practice. Coaches have plenty of other things to focus on rather than the proper way to tell someone to leave.
Keeping the Faith | Email | Homepage | 12.10.07 - 4:25 pm | #

I speculate that Roger V was catching up with old friends and acquaintances -- nothing more and nothing less. Any of you ever moved on from a job and wished you could keep in touch with old colleagues whom you'd had friendships with? I feel for a guy like that, once so closely connected to the greatest football operation and university ever, and now somewhat isolated from his life's passion due to retirement. Think about it for a minute and how that loss of connection would feel. Wonder how CW would like it if he were not even allowed to stay on an adjacent field to chat with HIS old cronies at an open-to-the-press event the day before his beloved Pats play in the Super Bowl? I think he'd find it an affront to his passion for and loyalty to the organization he's given so much of his life to-- ESPECIALLY it were some lackey sent to tell him to remove his sweatshirted self... A little Golden Rule seems an appropriate expectation for the head coach at Our Lady's University, n'est ce pas?? If the RV story is true, then shame on him.
Love Thee Notre Dame | Email | Homepage | 12.10.07 - 5:26 pm | #

Mr V is one the nicest men in the world, and a more trustworthy guy you'll not find. CW must be incredibly paranoid, or is really starting to lose his mind. Maybe that little room above the firehouse is available.

Closed practices are always open to some people. And if Weis doesn't know who the good guys are, then ND's problems are worse than I feared. We didn't lose 9 games this year because all of his genius plays were being intercepted by spies! We lost nine games because instead of making sure somebody on the team knew how to block or tackle, he was perusing distant sidelines at Cartier looking for infidels. Laughing my ass off.

Why make an enemy out of harmless Roger? He IS Notre Dame. And all of his old pals purchase newspaper ink by the barrel.

Some of you guys are way off base.

Tradition at N.D. is really taking a hit these days.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 12.10.07 - 5:27 pm | #

Great post, Voice. You mention that closed practices are always open to some people. This alleged incident happened at an event open to the press -- so it wasn't even closed. CW does love to control the message, though. I suspect that it was his inner control freak showing rather than a fear of his decided schematic advantage being uncovered.
Love Thee Notre Dame | Email | Homepage | 12.10.07 - 5:34 pm | #

Boy, when a coach is losing everything is an issue. The last time I saw Roger V. was probably 30 years ago when I was a student at ND the same time CW was a student. Would I recognize Mr. V today? Good chance I would not any more than I would recognize Joe Yonto or Brian Boulac.
Lush | Email | Homepage | 12.10.07 - 7:21 pm | #

Mike You mentioned 3 backs are playing in the NFL now. I know of Darius and Ryan. Who is the third? Thanks
GB | Email | Homepage | 12.10.07 - 8:21 pm | #

Lush, I guarantee you'd recognize all three of the old timers that you mentioned. Especially if you were on campus at N.D. and any of them happened across your path. Just like Mr. V, Boulac and Yonto look pretty much like they did back then. Both have lost a fair amount of weight, but, as you will remember, they had it to lose. Like Valdiserri, they are N.D.

GB, my guess is that Mike is including Julius Jones in that trio.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 12.10.07 - 8:49 pm | #

Voice and Love Thee ND - I'm glad I was away for these last few hours, because there's no way I could've answered the return remarks as eloquently and directly as you did. Thanks. As to the 3 running backs, that was Erik '04's note, but I count the same group, and it's great to see. Go Irish!!!
mike '73 | Email | Homepage | 12.10.07 - 10:09 pm | #

Voice

Thanks. I should have guessed that it was Julius Jones.
GB | Email | Homepage | 12.10.07 - 11:18 pm | #

y'all are damning CW based on gossip, rumours and speculation?

well, i guess that whatever you people learned at ND really prepared you to be "men". seems like you're right at home with isiah thomas in that department, voice and mike '73.

how come nobody's brought up lou's habit of yanking players around by the face mask? i guess that was OK since it was the 80's and 90's, but now it's the 21st century and so the coach can't even swear (god forbid) for fear of offending the PC-crowd.

if you "end doesn't justify the means" people were serious, then start a campaign to re-hire gerry faust - he was the first (and last) footbawl coach to not swear at players. whenever i hear this complaint, i just KNOW the people bringing it up have not played sports beyond AYSO level (and lost their self-esteem when their coach yelled at them to quit dogging it during games ...) swearing is just part of competitive sports, so if you don't like it, you'd better start following tiddlywinks or the ice capades, ladies. football is the wrong sport if you want your athletes to sound like they stepped out of Masterpiece Theater.

in the broadcasted, uncensored words of eldrick woods, "G##-damn, M###er-F###er!" (and he's a peace-lovin' buddhist)
nostradamus | Email | Homepage | 12.11.07 - 2:36 am | #

yea, amazing to see. I am not suprised Julius Jones has found a steady role (though only a second option for the cowboys now), and after his great years at ND Darius just needed time and a few breaks, but R. Grant (masquerading as a rookie) is a major suprise, and averaging 100+yards/game in those he was the main running threat.

Now if only CWatt shows up again... :(
JustAnotherDomer | Email | Homepage | 12.11.07 - 7:13 am | #

nostradamus,
I don't know where you got the notion I have a problem with salty language. I, as my mother will attest, have always had a cursing problem, and you'll not hear me judging others for that which I am also quite guilty. Gerry Faust will always be the biggest dud ever to grace the hallowed grounds of N.D., and the guys who knew him the best, his players, know that he was the phoniest sack of Saban in the world. BUT, he never lost to Navy, won no less than 5 games per year, and none of his squads ever cowerd in the fetal position as did this year's edition for weeks on end. Charlie's filthy language, while embarrassing to him and the university, is the least of my problems with him. I would be just as disgusted if he told Mr. Valdiserri to "get out of my practice, and off of this field", as I would be if he said, "get the motherf#*%^ing hell out of my f@!*ing practice, you f@!*ing f@*k".
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 12.11.07 - 7:36 am | #

Voice in the Wilderness:
You are wrong. I ran into Brian Boulac in the Bookstore last year. Had no clue who he was. He was wearing a jacket I never saw. He said it was something the FB coaches got several years ago. I then asked his name. Your "guarantee" is specious!!
Lush | Email | Homepage | 12.11.07 - 8:55 pm | #

Okay, Lush, I last saw Coach Bou two and a half years ago, and evidently he has grown older and unrecognizable. How well did you know him when you studied under the Dome? I spent about 4 hours a day with him for 5 years, so I think I could probably recognize him at night, in a blizzard, 200 yards away. I think the Old Guard should all get tattoos on their foreheads that identifies them, and lists their various years of service to the university. This would help when CW has his Brownshirts out looking for people to harrass on Cartier Field.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 12.12.07 - 9:58 am | #

Voice in the Wilderness:
I doubt that CW spent 4 hours a day 5 days a week with Roger V 30 years ago nor did I. Your dislike for CW is not well-disguised.
Lush | Email | Homepage | 12.12.07 - 11:05 pm | #